Chilling CCTV footage has emerged showing the terrifying moment a Syrian asylum seeker stalked a young woman through the streets of Westminster after she left a central London nightclub.
The video evidence captures 24-year-old Aras Mohammed relentlessly pursuing his victim in the early hours of the morning, eventually dragging her into a secluded area where he subjected her to a brutal strangulation and sexual assault.
The Hunt Begins
Mohammed first spotted the woman leaving a popular nightlife venue and immediately began tracking her movements through the dimly lit streets. The footage shows him maintaining a calculated distance while ensuring his victim remained within sight.
"This was a predatory attack by a complete stranger," stated Detective Inspector James Shirley from the Metropolitan Police. "The victim was simply enjoying a night out with friends when she was targeted in this horrifying manner."
A Terrifying Ordeal
As the woman walked home, unaware of the danger following her, Mohammed seized his opportunity when she reached a quieter residential area. The attack that followed left the victim with significant physical injuries and deep psychological trauma.
Police were able to use the extensive CCTV network across Westminster to piece together Mohammed's movements both before and after the assault, leading to his rapid identification and arrest.
Justice Served
At Inner London Crown Court, Mohammed pleaded guilty to strangulation and sexual assault charges. The court heard how the victim's quick thinking and the comprehensive CCTV coverage were crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
"This case highlights the importance of public surveillance in combating violent crime," the prosecuting barrister told the court. "Without this evidence, it's unlikely we would have achieved this conviction."
Mohammed now faces a substantial prison sentence when he returns to court for sentencing next month, while the victim continues to receive specialist support to help her recover from the traumatic experience.
