A man has been jailed for the attempted murder and rape of a 15-year-old girl in Hampstead Cemetery.
Miles Edward Hughes, 18 (20.11.98) of Dynham Road, NW6, was found guilty of attempted murder and rape following a trial at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 12 January.
He was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 24 February, to 17 years’ imprisonment for attempted murder and eight years’ imprisonment for rape. He will serve the sentences concurrently.
Hughes was also ordered to sign the Sexual Offenders Register for life.
An investigation was launched following the attack which took place at around 13:30hrs on 9 July 2016. Emergency services were called to Hampstead Cemetery by a 15-year-old girl who said she had been stabbed in the neck. She suffered minor wounds.
The court heard that Hughes and the victim, who were known to each other, met earlier that afternoon and went to Hampstead Cemetery in Fortune Green Road, NW6.
They sat and talked before Hughes pulled out a Stanley knife and began cutting her on her arms.
He demanded sex and she refused – Hughes then forced himself on her. He raped her and tried to stab her in the neck and throat area.
Hughes ran off out of the cemetery but he was arrested a short time later – he was charged on 11 July.
DC Gary Fernon of the Met’s Sexual Offences Exploitation & Child Abuse Command said:
“Today a dangerous young man has been sentenced to a justifiably lengthy term in prison for what can only be described as a harrowing crime
“This has had an undoubtedly lasting impact on the victim as she continues to come to terms with what happened.
“This was a truly horrific attack and I must express my admiration for the victim to give evidence that has seen her attacker brought to justice.
“I can only hope that this sentence can assist in some way in helping her to move forward with her life.”