"his actions toward the victim were even more sinister."
Sharif Abbas, aged 31, of London, was jailed for four years after he kidnapped and sexually assaulted an injured woman.
Southwark Crown Court heard that at around 6 am on June 16, 2019, a 19-year-old woman fell down a set of stairs as she walked from one platform to another at Bond Street Tube station.
She made her way to another platform suffering from a broken wrist and a profusely bleeding head injury that exposed her skull.
The woman then sat down.
Abbas approached the woman and offered to help her.
He put on a TfL high-vis vest and led her out of the station.
After telling her to wait for him, Abbas 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.
Abbas unknowingly triggered a silent alarm when he entered the building.
Police attended and found Abbas standing behind the victim with his hands under her clothing and the fly of his jeans undone.
Abbas was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and was taken to a north London police station.
Meanwhile, the victim was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery for a broken wrist and received treatment for a serious head injury.
She has since made a full recovery from those injuries.
In a police interview, Abbas claimed that he did not press the emergency buttons because it did not occur to him.
He also claimed that he tried to call for an ambulance inside the Tube station but could not get a phone signal. The victim allegedly asked Abbas not to call for an ambulance.
But in the 45 minutes they were together, Abbas had his phone to his ear throughout and did not call 999. He also did not administer any first aid.
Abbas was found guilty of kidnap and sexual assault.
The judge said: “I have no doubt that had they (the police) not attended in that moment, you (Abbas) would have gone on to commit a more serious sexual assault.”
Abbas was jailed for four years.
Detective Constable Nigel Pacquette, the investigating officer from the Central West Command Unit, 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 to Britain and quarantine in order to take part in the trial process.
“I applaud her actions to help ensure that other women are spared the perverse attentions of this man.”
“Abbas was travelling on the Tube network carrying a high-vis tabard that would give the impression that he was a member of TfL staff.
“Given that he was unemployed, this alone was concerning, but his actions toward the victim were even more sinister.
“He claimed that he had taken her into the basement in order to check her body for cuts and bruises, after which he was going to help her, yet he stated he had no medical training, nor had he taken any actions to address her significant head wound.
“To take advantage of a seriously injured woman, particularly at a time when she required urgent medical attention, is deplorable.
“Thankfully, the quick thinking of the officers who responded to the alarm call, ensured that Abbas was apprehended at the scene.
“He was calculating and predatory and the verdict is wholly the right outcome to ensure that other women are protected from him.
“I am aware that the details of this case, and the predatory nature of offenders such as Abbas, will instil fear in many women.
“The team I work with at Charing Cross Police Station are working hard to remove offenders of this type from our streets and will continue to make use of every available resource in order to place such offenders before the courts.
“I urge any women who find themselves in a position where they are afraid, to raise the alarm.
“Tell someone, move closer to other people, whatever it takes to ensure that you feel safe and are safe. If you believe that you are in danger don’t hesitate, dial 999.”
Loading ...