A man has been jailed after raping a woman in Hackney.
Desmond Rodney, 46, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison on Friday for two counts of rape.
In September 2022, the victim – who was known to Rodney – told police that Rodney had raped her at her home address in Hackney.
She also claimed he had locked her in her bedroom unless she agreed to his sexual demands.
Rodney was arrested later that day and denied the offences, claiming they had consensual sex.
He was found guilty following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court in March and given a ten-year restraining order against the victim.
In an impact statement, the victim said: “Mostly I try to forget what happened because it was such a horrible experience and I try to block out the details of how I was attacked but it was so traumatising that I simply can’t.
“I remember thinking at the time, ‘Why me? Why me?’ and that hasn’t changed, I still often think ‘Why me? Why did he abuse me? Why did he attack me in such a nasty way?’ Because of what he did to me, he has screwed me up and spoiled any potential trust or positive outlook I could have with others.”
She added: “I feel grateful that I have been given the opportunity to be heard and although I despise him for making me go to court rather than admit what he did, I am glad I was able to put my account across and that the jury listened to me and believed me when I told them I was raped.”
When giving evidence in court, officers arranged for special measures to be put in place for the victim including a screen so that she couldn’t see the defendant, in order to make her feel more comfortable.
Detective Inspector Chris Heathcote, who leads the Sapphire unit investigating serious sexual offences in Hackney said: “Rodney denied the offences and clearly thought he would be able to get away with his crimes.
“However the evidence gathered by our team and crucially the account given by the victim in court meant the jury could see through his lies and found him guilty.
“The victim in this case showed real bravery, not only in reporting Rodney to police but in coming to court and reliving what had happened to her.
“We are extremely pleased she felt able to do so and that she has now seen justice served. We hope this encourages others who have been subject to rape or sexual assault to come forward and speak to our specialist teams.”
Rodney has also been placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
