Student jailed for attempted rape of woman he followed in Shadwell
Ali Mustafa, who was jailed for six years for the attempted rape of a 24-year-old woman - Credit: Archant
A Pakistani student who tried to rape a lone woman after dragging her into an alley has been jailed for six years.
Business studies student Ali Mustafa, 21, stalked his victim after spotting her walking along Batty Street, Whitechapel, in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
After Mustafa asked for her mobile phone number, his 24-year-old victim tried to shake him off by seeking refuge in a nearby convenience store at around 3am on June 16 this year.
But he waited outside, following her along The Highway in Shadwell before pulling her by the arm into an alley. He then sexually assaulted her, causing her to fall to the ground, where he tried to rape her.
The screaming woman managed to fight him off, but her attacker stole her mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
You may also want to watch:
His traumatised victim was found by a passer-by who stayed with her until police arrived. Mustafa was arrested at his home in Pinchin Street, Shadwell the next day, where police found the stolen phone hidden beneath his pillow.
Det Con Spencer White, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Mustafa clearly targeted the victim as he knew she was alone, and he thought she was more vulnerable to attack.
Most Read
- 1 Ethnic communities not taking up Covid jabs, Tower Hamlets Mayor warns
- 2 'Racist consultation' protest rejected on Tower Hamlets street closures as Labour sticks to its manifesto
- 3 Airbnb house party violence leaves police officer with broken finger
- 4 Council fined for Alexia Walenkaki's playground death in Mile End and says sorry to family
- 5 Streets around proposed Chinese embassy building could be renamed after persecuted Muslims
- 6 Police raid cannabis factory near Liverpool Street station: 2 arrests
- 7 Police hunt after stabbing in Cable Street: One man hurt
- 8 No injuries but 20 rescued as firefighters tackle Limehouse blaze
- 9 The Queen lends her name to Royal London’s emergency Covid wards
“I would like to pay testimony to the bravery that the victim has shown, and her strength in supporting the prosecution that has led to Mustafa being sent to prison today.”
Mustafa was jailed for six years at a sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, having pleaded guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and theft at an earlier hearing.
