A man who kidnapped his ex-wife, tied her up and raped her in a hidden ‘dungeon’ has today, Monday 6 July, been sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment in a landmark first successful ‘victimless’ prosecution for rape by the Metropolitan Police (Met).
This follows his conviction on 3 July for two counts of rape (14 years for each), kidnap (seven years) and false imprisonment (four years), following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
All sentences are to run concurrent.
The offences took place at a premises in Hackney on 15 October 2014. The court heard that the victim had arranged to meet her ex-husband so she could take her granddaughter out. Once at the venue, he sprayed her with a substance which left her unconscious.
He then bound her hands, feet and mouth before carrying her into a hidden office room. She was then dropped into the dungeon.
Once there, the defendant cut off the victim’s clothes and raped her twice. She was then left alone, before eventually cutting herself free and calling police.
The 999 call, lasting over 20 minutes, was played to the court during the trial. Officers who came to the woman’s aid had to call for further assistance in order to break into the premises. Once inside they could hear the victim screaming and found her in a distressed state in the dungeon, which had been heavily concealed. Access was from a small hatch concealed within the base of wardrobe.
The victim was interviewed by specially trained detectives. Officers believe she came under significant pressure from family members to withdraw the allegations, however legislation enabled prosecutors to continue the trial without her testimonial.
During the trial, the defendant contested that the dungeon was a safe house to be used as a refuge in case of an attack by terrorists.
Detective Inspector Neil Rawlinson of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said:
“This verdict marks a momentous milestone for all victims of rape. It is important to note that the victim in this case was fully engaged throughout the police investigation but at the point of the trial, felt unable to attend. Due to the overwhelming evidence gathered by my officers, which supported all aspects of the victims account, the CPS agreed to proceed with the trial without the victim – a first of its kind for rape. My officers worked tirelessly with forensic experts to gather and present the best evidence possible, with their tenacity being reflected in this outstanding outcome at court.
“Offenders often exert power and control to silence their victims but this sentence shows that we can give scared victims a voice and bring offenders to justice despite their perceived power. I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault to report to police – we can provide specially trained officers to support victims and obtain the best evidence possible.”
DC Adam Knott, the officer in the case for the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said:
“This case clearly demonstrates that we will do all we can to prosecute offenders of this horrendous crime. By gathering evidence from a variety of sources we have shown that it is possible to bring offenders to justice even without live victim testimony in court. I am pleased the jury saw through the deception portrayed by the defendant and came to the right decision.”
+ A second defendant, Steven Hill, 53, (15.06.62) of East Bank, N16 was found not guilty of rape and false imprisonment. The jury was unable to reach a decision on one charge of kidnap. A decision on whether there will be a re-trial will be made in due course.
