Syed Iman has been jailed for six years
Police body worn footage captured the moment a sex attacker who attempted to rape a vulnerable woman in an underpass near Canary Wharf station shouted ‘that’s a lie’ when an officer told him why he was being arrested. Syed Imam, 30, was spotted acting suspiciously by a security guard in Canary Wharf in the early morning of March 14.
The team intervened after seeing Imam, of Croydon Road, Beddington, forcibly assaulting a vulnerable woman, before they detained him and stopped him from escaping. They alerted police officers, who attended, made an arrest, secured evidence, and handed Imam a charge within 24 hours.
The security team’s actions meant officers were able to arrest this dangerous offender within half an hour of the assault.
The Sutton resident has now been jailed for six years for attempted rape. He was found guilty of attempted rape on Thursday, July 2, following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, before he was sentenced on Thursday, September 3.
Detective Constable Madeleine Powell, who worked on the case, said: “This case shows the important role everyone has to play in tackling violence against women and girls. If security staff at Canary Wharf had not bravely intervened, this violent offender could still be walking our streets, and the victim may have suffered even more harm than she already has.
“Everyone has a part to play in the joint action needed to protect women and girls and report concerning behaviour when they see it – you will be listened to and we will take action.
“I am proud of our officers who worked at an incredible pace to arrest Imam and present a compelling case, helping us to get justice for the victim and protect the public.”
Despite the victim having no recollection of what had occurred, the evidence secured through CCTV and fast-paced investigation allowed the suspect to be interviewed, charged and remanded.
Throughout the process, dedicated support from specialist officers helped the victim understand the proceedings, remain engaged with the investigation and navigate the significant trauma she had experienced.
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