A woman’s life has been “entirely disrupted” by Black Dutch sex offender Abdala Aweys, who raped her when she was returning home after a night out.
Dutch national Abdala Aweys has been incarcerated after he assaulted the victim on July 21 of this year.
She was returning home from Shepherd’s Bush and arrived at Bank station at 4 a.m., thereafter commencing her trek home.
However, she was uncertain about the optimal route to take and was approached by Abdala Aweys, who proposed that she accompany him.
The victim thereafter engaged in conversation with a nearby security guard who requested her lighter, while Abdala Aweys retreated and concealed himself in the entrance of a building.
Once she was alone again, he emerged from his concealment and trailed her.
CCTV footage depicts the 25-year-old pursuing the woman, restraining her against the wall, and inserting his tongue into her mouth.
He thereafter perpetrated additional sexual attacks and prevented the victim from departing.
During the approximately 25-minute assault, she persistently urged him to cease.
Subsequently, she escaped via a bus, pursued by Abdala Aweys.
She disembarked at Liverpool Street and recorded footage of the predator on the bus.
Subsequently, when returning home, the event was reported to the
Abdala Aweys was identified by his bank card being used to tap onto the bus and was arrested on August 7, claiming all contact was consensual.
On November 8, he changed his plea to guilty to two counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
He was given a five year and four-month prison sentence at Inner London Crown Court and will also be on license for a further three years.
The victim bravely read her victim impact statement in court and said: “Ever since the incident that occurred on that fateful night, my life has been completely turned upside down, stepping outside my door is not the same anymore.
“I now find myself being on edge and wary around males, tracking their movements and figuring out ways I can keep myself safe. I am no longer the happy go lucky person, I used to be and my view on the world has changed significantly.
“Due to the incident, I have been isolating myself. I am not as present in social situations. I avoid family gatherings, and I will only partake if I have too.
“I won’t participate in anything fun, and I feel I just want to stay at home where I feel safe. As a result of this, it has had a huge impact on my relationships with my family and friends.
“He has also taken away my carefree attitude and the fact that I used to always smile at people and now I find I am so suspicious of everyone I see. I view people differently, my outlook has changed, and I feel quite paranoid, on edge and this is not someone who I ever was before.”
Detective Constable Raeven Headlam, City of London Police said: “Our thoughts are with the victim and her family. This has had an immeasurable impact on the victim’s life and her bravery at reporting this despicable crime has meant that a dangerous sexual predator has been taken off the streets.
“I am in full admiration of her extraordinary courage and assistance throughout the investigation and prosecution. Providing samples is invasive and harrowing, but proved vital in proving, without a doubt, what Abdala Aweys did on that night.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.