Man jailed for raping woman after night out in east London

A man who raped a woman as she walked home after a night out in east London has been jailed.

Leon Rochester, 33, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after sexually assaulting a female in Leytonstone.

The victim was walking home along Leytonstone High Road in January when Rochester approached her and offered her a drink.

He then walked her to a secluded location where he carried out the attack.

Rochester ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop. The victim eventually managed to break free and run away.

Police were called by a member of the public who came across the woman in a distressed state.

Detectives carried out enquiries and found CCTV which placed Rochester at the location. They also spoke to a witness who heard the woman ask him to stop.

Rochester was arrested at his home address in Woodhouse Road a few days later and was charged with rape.

Following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he was found guilty on October 1.

Detective Inspector Jeremy McDermott said: “I’d like to commend the victim for coming forward and telling us about her terrifying ordeal. Thanks to her bravery, both then and during the course of the investigation and trial, a dangerous offender has been taken off the streets.

“Although this sentence cannot make up for what she has gone through, I hope that the verdict and sentencing brings her some level of closure.

“I would also encourage all victims of both sexual assault and rape to come forward and contact police. We know that it is an incredibly difficult thing to do but we can provide you with appropriate help and support while carrying out an investigation to find those responsible.”

Anyone who needs support can call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Further advice can be found on the Met's website.