Man jailed for 81 months for kidnap and sex offences

A man from London who kidnapped and sexually assaulted a woman has been jailed for six years and nine months.

Farhan Akoo, 30, of Worcester Gardens, Cranbrook, Ilford, was jailed for 81 months at Inner London Crown Court on Friday 3 September 2021, after being found guilty at a trial in April 2021.

Akoo was sentenced to three years for one count of kidnap, five years for one count of kidnap with intent to commit sexual offences, five years for three counts of sexual assault by penetration, and six years and nine months for one count of rape. He will serve his sentences concurrently.

In the early hours of Sunday 25 November 2018, Akoo drove his victim off from her friends at speed, taking her phone away from her so that she could not make contact with the group. Akoo then repeatedly assaulted the victim while he drove her around London, before finally stopping the vehicle on an unlit dead-end road where he sexually assaulted her.

Detective Inspector Anna Rice, from the City of London Police’s Public Protection Unit, said:

“I’d like to commend the young victim who bravely came forward and reported these appalling crimes. Akoo is an opportunistic predator who took advantage of a vulnerable woman. Akoo led the woman away from her friends and then took away her phone, meaning that she had no way of contacting someone for help.

“The victim has shown incredible bravery and co-operation throughout what must have been a very difficult investigation.

“I hope these sentences provide some form of closure and comfort knowing Akoo will be behind bars and be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.”

If you have experienced a sexual offence, or are concerned that someone you care about might be at risk, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. In an emergency always call 999.