A man who raped a woman as she was walked home alone after a night out in Leytonstone with her friends, has been sent to prison for nine years.
Leon Rochester, 33 (04.10.86), of Woodhouse Road, E11, was found guilty of rape on Thursday, 1 October following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The court heard how on Sunday, 26 January, the victim was walking home along Leytonstone High Road when Rochester approached her and offered her a drink.
Rochester then walked with the victim to a secluded location off Kirkdale Road where he began touching her without her consent before carrying out the horrific attack.
During the attack, Rochester ignored repeated pleas from the victim for him to stop. The woman eventually managed to break free from Rochester before running away.
A member of the public found the victim in a distressed state and called 999. Officers rushed to the scene and immediately began to hunt for her attacker as well as offering the victim specialist support.
Specialist 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, 31 January 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 bring 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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A proper sentence for an awful crime. This judge should sit on all rape trials, not some of these “snowflake” judges who think the woman brought it upon herself by wearing a short skirt or make up.