A homeless victim who was sexually assaulted in Gravesend has seen the man responsible jailed. On Monday 9 September 2024, a woman was sleeping in the doorway of an empty shop in the High Street when she was approached by Bebi Ibram.
He lay down beside her and removed some of her clothing before sexually assaulting the victim. She woke up and screamed causing another man to confront her assailant. Ibram fled leaving his footwear at the scene. Police officers seized the shoes and investigators examined CCTV in the area. A local constable identified Ibram from the footage and forensic examination of the seized footwear later recovered his DNA.
Ibram, from Gravesend, was arrested on 27 September and charged with sexual assault. He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court and, on Tuesday 9 December, the 38-year-old was sentenced to one year and three months’ imprisonment. This included the activation of two suspended sentences. He will also be required to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
Detective Constable Chloe Smith said:
‘Ibram chose to target a very vulnerable woman and no doubt hoped he would get away with his crime. Fortunately a man came to her assistance and her cowardly attacker fled the scene.
‘A swift response from local patrols ensured vital evidence was recovered and, after a local officer recognised the criminal from a CCTV image, Ibram was tracked down and arrested. He has now been jailed and I would like to thank the victim who courageously assisted us to bring this appalling man to justice.’