Man, 24, who raped woman outside Tower of London on New Year’s Day in ‘abhorrent’ attack is jailed
A SEX fiend has been jailed for raping a woman outside the Tower of London on New Year’s Day.
Awet Solomon, 24, dragged his victim into an alleyway after she got off the bus near the iconic landmark on the morning of January 1 this year.
Solomon beat, strangled and violently raped the woman who he had never met before.
She had got off the bus at Mansell Street and was walking towards Whitechapel High Street when Solomon launched his attack at 7am.
The rapist was arrested, charged and remanded in custody just 36 hours after the victim contacted police.
Evidence at the scene, CCTV and witness statements enabled the rapid investigation.
Solomon, of West Drayton, Middlesex, was sentenced to six years and nine months in jail at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday.
He had pleaded guilty to rape of a woman, strangulation and actual bodily harm.
Detective Superintendent Richard Waight, of City of London Police, said: “I would like to thank the victim for showing tremendous courage and strength to come forward to report such an abhorrent incident and in supporting this investigation.
“City of London Police take allegations of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and we investigate them with the utmost sensitivity.
“We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.”
He added: “I would also praise all those who investigated this crime.
“Their diligence and hard work has contributed to making the City a safer place.”