Couple who followed woman from tram before sexual assault were trapped with DNA evidence – South London News

Two men who sexually assaulted the woman they followed on the tram were jailed.

The conviction was given after police tracked down the culprits through cigarettes left at the scene and the victim’s DNA.

Adhamon Mebrahtu, of Norbury, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on April 25. Mebrahtu was previously convicted of rape and sexual assault by penetration on February 12. previous hearing.

Yesterday Jamie Osman, of Thornton Heath, was sentenced to three years in prison at Croydon Crown Court following a retrial in September. He was convicted by a jury of sexual assault by penetration.

In November 2018, Mebrahtu and Osman met the woman on a tram in Croydon and followed her home. They broke into the building where she lived in Addiscombe and sexually assaulted her in her own home.

The victim, who was 26 years old at the time of the crime, reported the rape to the police. Police found extinguished cigarettes in the bedroom, providing vital DNA used to identify the couple.

The defendants denied having any interaction with the woman during the interview but detectives analyzed hours of CCTV to disprove their lies.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the bravery shown by the victim-survivor who has shown great courage and resilience throughout this difficult period.

“I am proud that we have been able to bring these dangerous criminals to justice and make London safer as a result. I hope they spend their time in prison thinking about the devastating consequences of their heinous actions.

“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in the city they call home, and we are committed to continuing our mission to protect our communities from harm and eliminate sexual violence, largely at the hands of predatory men.”

Top image: Adhamon Mebrahtu, left, and Jamie Osman (Images: The Met)

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