Croydon men forced their way into victim's home and sexually assaulted and raped her

Two Croydon men have been jailed for forcing their way into a woman's home to sexually assault and rape her. Adhamon Mebrahtu, 23, of Norbury and Jamie Osman, 23, followed their victim home after meeting her on a tram.

On arrival, they barged their way into her building in Croydon. They proceeded to sexually assault and rape her in her own home. Mebrahtu also admitted to stealing the victim's phone.

The victim reported the rape to the police. Detectives managed to match Mebrahtu and Osman's DNA to stubbed out cigarettes in the victim's bedroom - vital to their identification.

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Mebrahtu was also forensically linked to the victim after a detailed forensic analysis was carried out by staff in the Met.

The attackers denied any interaction with the woman when interviewed but detectives analysed hours’ worth of CCTV to disprove their lies. Meanwhile the victim was supported throughout the investigation and trial by specialist Met officers.

Mebrahtu was sentenced to five years in prison at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 25 April. He previously was found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration on Monday, 12 February. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of the victim-survivor's phone at a previous hearing.

Osman was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to three years in prison on Wednesday, 20 November following a retrial which took place in September 2024. He was convicted by a jury of sexual assault by penetration.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim-survivor who has shown great courage and resilience throughout this difficult process.

“I’m proud we have been able to bring these dangerous offenders to justice and make London safer as a result. I hope they spend their time in jail to reflect on the devastating consequences of their abhorrent actions.

“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in the city they call home and we’re committed to continuing our mission to protect our communities from harm, eradicating sexual violence caused largely at the hands of predatory men.”

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331

• Rape Crisis: 08085002222

• Childline: 0800 1111

• National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 9999

• Survivors UK : 0203 598 3898, info@survivorsuk.org.

• Samaritans : 116 123 jo@samaritans.org

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