Friday 17 March 2023
An 18 year old man has been found guilty of rape after targeting a woman in a churchyard in Kingston.
Mohammad Idriss had already pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug, theft and fraud offences in relation to the same incident.
He was loitering around Kingston Town Centre last July when he approached the woman just after midnight.
He went on to rape her in All Saints churchyard just off the Ancient Market Place.
Idriss then stole two of her bank cards and used them to purchase food and drink at various stores in Kingston Town Centre.
The rape was reported to the police that day and detectives immediately launched an investigation.
Detectives carried out extensive CCTV enquiries that showed
the suspect approaching the victim.
They also submitted urgent forensic tests
that identified the suspect as Mohammad Idriss.
Idriss was arrested at his home address in Hackney on 26
July 2022. He made no comment during his police interviews and was charged and
remanded shortly after.
Throughout the investigation and trial, an Independent
Sexual Violence Adviser provided specialist support to the victim.
An
ISVA is an impartial adviser who works with people who have experienced rape
and/or sexual assault.
Prior to the trial, specialist measures were put in place so
the victim could provide evidence in court with only the judge and barristers
present, and without having to see Idriss.
Detective Constable Troy Sampson leading the
investigation said: “Mohammad Idriss is an extremely dangerous
individual who targeted an innocent woman. His actions that night have caused
serious harm and will have a lasting impact.
“My job is to investigate serious sexual offences and bring
those responsible to justice, I am pleased with the result in court and take
comfort in knowing he is in prison and cannot harm anyone else.
“Reporting a rape can seem scary or daunting but I want to
reassure anyone who this has happened to that we will fully support you and
conduct a full and thorough investigation.”
Mohammad Idriss will be sentenced on Friday, the 19th
of May at Kingston Crown Court.
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 4:00 pm
