Monday 22 March 2010

Rapist Caught After Victim's Screams Heard


This is the face of a predatory nightime rapist – caged for 9 years – after following an 18 year-old girl at 2 am and dragging the screaming victim down an alleyway, subjecting her to a sex attack.

Jagdeep Chahal, 23, of Barnhill Road, Hayes, Middlesex, was caught after a witness dialled 999 when she heard the teenager’s screams.

He denied, but was convicted by an Isleworth Crown Court jury after a two-week trial of raping the girl on April 8, last year.

The court heard Chahal followed his victim from a bus stop in Uxbridge Road, Hayes, and the suspicious teen slowed down, forcing him to pass her.

He continued to follow her on the other side of the road until he pounced, forcing his hand into her mouth as she screamed out and dragging her into an alleyway.

Chahal then went on to threaten the victim and rape her.

A passer-by heard the victim's screams and rang police who attended the scene within minutes.

Their arrival disturbed Chahal who stopped the assault and attempted to escape, but was detained when officers shone torches down the alleyway and saw him climbing over a wall.

He will now be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Detective Sergeant Leanne Cranford of Hounslow’s Sapphire Unit said: "Chahal has demonstrated that he is a predatory offender.

“He followed his 18-year-old victim and attacked her.

“The impact on his victim, her family, friends and the local community cannot be measured.

“Stranger rapes such as these are relatively unusual and my praise goes out to the victim who showed tremendous courage, not only on that night but also by her support in this prosecution to ensure that he has been taken off the streets of Hayes.

"I hope knowing that her attacker is now behind bars will go some way towards allowing the victim to come to terms with what has happened to her and allow her to go on to have a fulfilling future.

"I think special mention should be made of the woman who, rather than ignoring the victim's calls for help, picked up the phone and rang 999.

Without that phone call Chahal may not have been apprehended and the victim may not have received the immediate support and care that she needed.

"We encourage victims of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to police as soon as possible. Every single allegation will be investigated professionally and effectively in a victim centred way.

"If anyone believes they may have been a victim of Chahal, I would encourage them to contact their local police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to ensure they get the help and support they may need."

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