Description
A man sexually assaulted a woman while she slept in her own home. Darrel Phillips, 44, travelled to the victim's house in Tower Hamlets on July 12, 2020, to stay the night in her spare room.
Then in the early hours, Phillips told the woman that he wanted to have sex with her but she rejected his advances.
The next morning she woke up in pain and realised that her clothing had been removed from the waist down. She also recalled a memory of Phillips in her bed and pushing him away, saying 'no'.
The woman reported the incident to the police and detectives from the Central East Command Unit began investigating. Phillips, Saffron Walden, Essex, was arrested, but when interviewed he declined to answer questions and denied all allegations.
Phillips was found guilty of assault by penetration at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, July 14, following an inquiry by detectives specialising in investigating sexual offences. The woman has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation.
His sentencing on Tuesday, September 5, follows a five-day trial where he received an indefinite restraining order against the victim. He has also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely
Detective Sergeant Michael Dixon from the Central East Safeguarding Team, said: “Phillips showed no regard to the rights of a woman and he attacked her whist she slept. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the victim-survivor, who has shown enormous courage throughout this process and fought for justice.
“We fully understand that reporting a sexual crime can be traumatic for anyone. I would urge anyone in this position to get in contact with the police – you will be listened to and supported by specially trained officers.”
Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques Officer (SOIT) Thomas Coe from the Central East Safeguarding team added: “I would strongly encourage any person who has been subjected to a sexual offence to report to police, and visit a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or Haven.
"Part of the reason that this conviction was secured is because it was reported immediately, and vital forensic evidence was gathered at the earliest opportunity. I hope this sends a strong signal to victim-survivors that we are absolutely committed to investigating these crimes fully.”