Locations
Hornsey Lane, Highgate, London, N6
Description
A rapist who forced himself on a woman who he met on a dating app has been jailed.
Three months following the attack, Ryan Mulhern, of Hornsey Lane in Highgate, was sentenced to eight years’ and nine months imprisonment for rape and attempted rape.
Police were called to Hornsey Lane on March 21 at 9.50pm after a member of the public found the victim, 25, crying and saying she had just been raped.
She explained she met Mulhern on a dating app and went to his house to meet up.
Whilst there, he raped the victim and she repeatedly told him to stop, but he continued.
Officers searched multiple addresses and were initially unable to find Mulhern – but he was eventually arrested in Islington the day after on March 22.
The victim’s impact statement was read out in court, where she wrote: “I reported you because it was the right thing to do.
“Even now, I do not feel hatred towards you and am saddened that we are in such a situation.
“However, I hate that your actions have made me feel unsafe, empty, and unworthy of others' respect. I have to deal with the impact of your violence for the foreseeable future.
“This rape is a tragedy that could have and should have been avoided. Even if you struggle to feel remorse towards me, I hope you can understand the hurt you have caused to the ones closest to you and yourself.”
Mulhern appeared on Friday (June 23) at Snaresbrook Crown Court after pleading guilty to both offences on April 21.
Detective Sergeant Sam Lockstone, who led the investigation, said: "I hope the significant sentence handed down encourages other victims of rape to come forward, and brings the rape survivor in this case a sense of closure and justice.
“I am incredibly proud of my team for supporting the victim throughout this investigation with such professionalism.
"Arresting, charging and seeing Mulhern jailed within just three months of the incident shows the dedication and commitment our teams have in pursuing justice for these horrific offences."