M25 rapist Antoni Imiela jailed for 1987 attack
A man currently serving a life sentence for a series of rapes across the Home Counties has been further convicted for a rape dating back more than 20 years, despite the victim having died since, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Services (MPS) Cold Case Sapphire Team.
A man currently serving a life sentence for a series of rapes across the Home Counties has been further convicted for a rape dating back more than 20 years, despite the victim having died since, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Services (MPS) Cold Case Sapphire Team.
Anthoni Imiela, dubbed the M25 rapist for committing a spate of sexual assaults earlier this decade, was found guilty last week, after being produced from prison following a review of the historical offence which took place in south London in 1987.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it was important the case was put before a jury despite the victim having died. It said the absence of a key witness is not an automatic barrier to justice and successfully applied to have the victim`s original statement read out to ensure that the jury heard her evidence.
Andrew Hadik, CPS London special casework lawyer, said: The subsequent death of a victim does not mean defendants can expect to escape prosecution. This case is an important example of how the CPS will strive to secure justice for victims of crime.
This attack had a devastating effect upon the victims life and sadly justice could not be secured whilst she was alive. However, her family has provided great assistance to this prosecution and I hope that they find some comfort in this conviction.
Imiela was sentenced to a total of 12 years for the attack: Six years for rape, six years for indecent assault, to run concurrently, and six years for buggery to run consecutively.
Officers were able to make a match to Imiela after DNA taken from the crime scene was subjected to additional testing, possible as a result of advances in forensic capabilities.
The then 29-year-old victim of the attack, who died in 2006, was grabbed by Imiela as she left her home address in south east London. He dragged her behind a nearby shed before subjecting her to a vicious and violent attack.
Despite numerous inquiries by detectives at the time, no suspects were identified. Although samples were retrieved and submitted, there was insufficient material to provide a DNA profile. However, in 2009, using new DNA techniques, Imiela was identified as the suspect.
On January 26, 2010, Imiela who was convicted in 2004 at Maidstone Crown Court for a number of rapes in the Home Counties was produced from HMP Wakefield and arrested. He was charged the following month.
Detective Constable Claire Watts said: Imiela was a particularly dangerous and predatory rapist, well known as the M25 rapist for the numerous offences he committed across the Home Counties. This latest conviction shows that his offending dates back even further; and is testament to the commitment of the Sapphire Cold Case Team to pursue those individuals responsible for historical rapes and sexual offences, regardless of whether they are already in the justice system.