Ramzi Barkat, 54, has been jailed for seven years and three months after being caught red-handed attempting to rape a woman near Buckingham Palace. The Algerian-born defendant tailed a lone woman out of St James’s Park in the early hours of September 7, 2024, Southwark Crown Court heard.
Attack and Intervention
After his attempts to flirt with the woman were rejected, Barkat tackled her to the ground, grabbed her wrists, and straddled her, according to His Honour Judge Justin Cole. The judge described Barkat as a “predator” who “sought to take advantage of a lone vulnerable woman.” Three young soldiers passing by heard the woman’s screams and intervened, stopping the attack.
Police Failures
Sentencing Barkat on Friday, the judge criticized the police for a “catalogue of incompetencies.” After the complainant was interviewed, Barkat was released on bail or under investigation. The judge stated: “He was simply let go in a situation in which frankly he had been caught red-handed and presented a continuing danger to the public.” He added: “The bottom line is this man was set free for a period of a year, a year to do what he likes, in a situation where he had attacked a lone female in a park. The public would be appalled to hear of such laxity.”
Conviction and Sentencing
Barkat was found guilty of attempted rape and assaulting one of the soldiers who intervened. He denied both counts, claiming he only intended to rob the woman of her phone. In addition to the prison sentence, Barkat, who lived in Mildmay Road, north London, was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year restraining order. The judge said he would nominate the young soldiers for High Sheriff Bravery Awards.
