A man who came to Britain seeking asylum has been handed a significant prison sentence for a vicious sexual attack in the heart of London.
Haider Al-Mansoori, 24, an Iraqi national, was sentenced to 14 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court after being convicted of rape and sexual assault. The court heard the harrowing details of an attack that left his victim traumatised.
The Night of the Attack
The incident occurred in the early hours of 21st May last year. The victim, a woman in her twenties, had been socialising with friends in a central London bar. It was there she encountered Al-Mansoori, who presented himself as friendly and charismatic.
After leaving the bar, the pair, along with others, went to a private flat. It was in this setting that Al-Mansoori's demeanour turned violent and predatory. The court was told he subjected the woman to a terrifying and prolonged sexual assault.
A Brazen Escape and Police Investigation
Following the attack, Al-Mansoori callously fled the scene, leaving his victim distraught. She immediately contacted the Metropolitan Police, who launched a swift investigation.
Detectives from the Met's Central South Command Unit pieced together the evidence, including CCTV footage that tracked Al-Mansoori's movements across the city after the assault. Their diligent work led to his identification and arrest.
Justice Served at Snaresbrook Crown Court
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, the full gravity of Al-Mansoori's actions was laid bare. He was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
In addition to his 14-year custodial sentence, the judge imposed an extended licence period of five years. Al-Mansoori was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, a permanent mark of the severity of his crimes.
Police Statement on the Case
Detective Constable Jack Earl, the officer in charge of the case, praised the victim's immense courage throughout the judicial process. He stated, "This was a horrific attack on a defenceless woman by a man who exploited a social situation to prey on her. The victim has shown incredible bravery from the moment she reported the crime through to the trial. We hope this sentence brings her some sense of justice and allows her to continue rebuilding her life."
He further emphasised the Met's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, encouraging all victims to come forward with the assurance that they will be believed and supported.
