A “calculating and predatory” man has been jailed for four years after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted an injured teenage woman after promising her help.
Sharif Abbas, 31, of Haringey, will concurrently serve the time for sexual assault and kidnap having denied the charges. He was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday having been found guilty at the same court in December.
The court heard that on June 16, 2019, the 19-year-old woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - fell down a set of stairs as she walked from one platform to another at Bond Street Underground station. She suffered a broken wrist and a head injury so severe that her skull was exposed.
A Met Police statement continued: “As she sat down, Abbas approached the young woman and offered to help her. He led her out of the station and scouted out an empty basement of a nearby building.
“He then brought her back to the basement, telling her he needed to examine her for injuries, at which point he sexually assaulted her.”
The Met was alerted to Abbas when he unknowingly triggered a silent alarm by entering the building’s basement. The Judge said Abbas would have committed a “more severe” sexual assault had police not intervened at this point.
Officers attended to investigate the alarm and found Abbas with the injured woman under a covered walkway where they were not visible to passers-by at street level. Abbas was standing behind the victim with his hands under her clothing and his flies undone.
The victim underwent surgery for a broken wrist and received treatment for a serious head injury. She has since made a full recovery.
Detective constable Nigel Pacquette said: “The young lady targeted by Abbas has been incredibly brave, determined and patient throughout this investigation and the court proceedings.
“She no longer lives in the UK, and due to Abbas’s not guilty plea, was compelled to return and quarantine in order to take part in the trial process. I applaud her actions.”
During the ordeal, Abbas pulled on a high-vis vest which dated back two years to Abbas’s time working forTransport for London, when he conducted bus surveys. He said he kept the garment in case he “came across an accident or something”.
The detective added: “Given that he was unemployed, this alone was concerning, but his actions toward the victim were even more sinister.
“He was calculating and predatory and the verdict is wholly the right outcome to ensure that other women are protected from him.”
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to contact police on 101.
