Man imprisoned for sexual assault on lone woman

A man who sexually assaulted a woman who was going home after a night out, has been given a five year and four-month prison sentence. He will also be on license for a further three years.

Dutch national Abdala Aweys, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault by touching and one count of sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.

The victim bravely read her victim impact statement in court. She said:

“Ever since the incident that occurred on that fateful night, my life has been completely turned upside down, stepping outside my door is not the same anymore, I now find myself being on edge and wary around males, tracking their movements and figuring out ways I can keep myself safe. I am no longer the happy go lucky person, I used to be and my view on the world has changed significantly.

“Due to the incident, I have been isolating myself. I am not as present in social situations. I avoid family gatherings, and I will only partake if I have too. I won’t participate in anything fun, and I feel I just want to stay at home where I feel safe. As a result of this, it has had a huge impact on my relationships with my family and friends.

“He has also taken away my carefree attitude and the fact that I used to always smile at people and now I find I am so suspicious of everyone I see. I view people differently, my outlook has changed, and I feel quite paranoid, on edge and this is not someone who I ever was before.”

In the early hours of Sunday 21 July 2024, the victim was travelling home from Shepherd's Bush. At around 4am she arrived at Bank and started to walk home. The victim got slightly confused about the best direction to travel and was approached by Aweys, who suggested she come with him.

The victim engaged in a conversation with a nearby security guard who wanted the use of her lighter. Aweys walked away and hid in the doorway of a building out of sight of the victim. When the victim was on her own again, Aweys left his hiding place and followed her.

CCTV shows Aweys catching up with the victim and blocking her from passing, pinning her against the wall and putting his tongue in her mouth. What then followed was a number of serious sexual assaults on the victim, where the Aweys is seen to actively stop the victim from leaving. Throughout the attack, the victim tries to get away and repeatedly tells Aweys to stop.

This attack lasted for around 25 minutes before the victim managed to get on a bus; unfortunately Aweys followed her onto it. The victim managed to get off the bus at Liverpool Street and then took video footage of Aweys on the bus. On her walk from the bus stop to her house she called the police. This was around 30 minutes after the incident took place. Early reporting enabled officers to get samples and start the hunt for Aweys.

Aweys was identified by his bank card being used to tap onto the bus. He was arrested on 7 August 2024, and confirmed during interview that he had seen the victim on the night and claimed that all contact was consensual. He denied digitally penetrating the victim and at court initially pleaded not guilty.

Forensic work located Aweys’ DNA on items provided by the victim. On 8 November 2024, Aweys changed his plea to guilty.

Detective Constable Raeven Headlam, City of London Police said:

“Our thoughts are with the victim and her family. This has had an immeasurable impact on the victim’s life and her bravery at reporting this despicable crime has meant that a dangerous sexual predator has been taken off the streets.

“I am in full admiration of her extraordinary courage and assistance throughout the investigation and prosecution. Providing samples is invasive and harrowing, but proved vital in proving, without a doubt, what Abdala Aweys did on that night.

“We are committed to tackling male predatory behaviour and reducing violence against women and girls. We encourage anyone who has been sexually assaulted to please come forward, you will be believed, and we will investigate fully."

You can report rape or sexual assault to us online or by calling us on 101.