Saturday, 31 October 2020

Eleven Years For Rapist Who Attacked Lone Woman Walking Home

A rapist, who attacked a lone woman walking home after a night out with friends, is starting a nine-year prison sentence.

Leon Rochester, 33, of Woodhouse Road, Leytonstone was convicted after a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

On Sunday, January 26, the victim was walking home along Leytonstone High Road when Rochester approached her and offered her a drink.

He walked with the victim to a secluded location off Kirkdale Road, where he began touching her before carrying out the attack.

Rochester ignored repeated pleas for him to stop. 

The woman eventually managed to break free and run away.

Police were called by a member of the public who came across the woman in a distressed state. 

Officers attended and began an investigation

Detectives carried out enquiries and found CCTV, which placed Rochester at the location. 

They also spoke to a witness who heard the woman ask him to stop.

Rochester was arrested on Friday, January 21 at his home address and was subsequently charged with rape.

Detective Inspector Jeremy McDermott, of the North East Command Unit, said: “I’d like to commend the victim for coming forward and telling us about her terrifying ordeal. 

Thanks to her bravery, both then and during the course of the investigation and trial, a dangerous offender has been taken off the streets.

Although this sentence cannot make up for what she has gone through, I hope that the verdict and sentencing brings her some level of closure.

I would also encourage all victims of both sexual assault and rape to come forward and contact police. 

We know that it is an incredibly difficult thing to do but we can provide you with appropriate help and support while carrying out an investigation to find those responsible.”

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