A man who targeted a lone woman in Gravesend and sexually assaulted her has been jailed.
On 25 September 2022, the victim left a fast-food restaurant in the town centre when she was approached by Dalciran Ibrahim. She had never met him before and he briefly spoke to her before suddenly sexually assaulting her over her clothing.
The victim tried to walk away but Ibrahim pushed her against a shopfront, exposed himself and put his hands under her clothing.
He then made threats to harm the victim if she did not get into his car, took hold of her arm and forcibly walked her along the High Street.
It was at this point three members of the public intervened and asked what was going on. Whilst Ibrahim was distracted, the victim managed to walk away, but he subsequently tracked her down.
When he tried to take hold of her again, the victim located the three men who had assisted her earlier and they took her to a police station to report the incident.
Another member of the public continued to watch Ibrahim who was by then sitting in his car. They were able to direct attending patrols to his location and, following a short pursuit, he was arrested. Once in custody, Ibrahim was found to have been driving whilst drunk.
Charged
Ibrahim, from Swanscombe, was later charged. Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, he was found guilty of false imprisonment, false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault. He had previously pleaded guilty to driving whilst unfit through drink, disqualified driving and driving without insurance.
On Monday 19 June 2023, 35-year-old Ibrahim was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. When he is released he will be subject to an extended licence period of seven years and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years. Ibrahim will also be disqualified from driving for five years.
PC Bethany Honess, of the North Kent Vulnerability Investigation Team, said: ‘Ibrahim subjected this young woman to an appalling ordeal which she had to relive whilst giving evidence during a trial. I would like to commend the victim’s courage in assisting our investigation and it is hoped Ibrahim’s prison sentence will now allow her some closure.
‘I would also commend the actions of the members of the public who came to the victim’s aid. Their actions undoubtedly prevented her coming to further harm and ensured this predatory offender was brought to justice.’
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