Rapist who attacked London tourist at West Dulwich station jailed for seven years

A rapist who attacked a London tourist has been jailed for seven years.

Salah Koubar, 20, of Densole Close, Beckenham, dragged his 29-year-old victim, who was visiting the capital on holiday, behind a building near West Dulwich station and raped her after they met on a night out in Soho in July last year.

He was found guilty of rape following a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday and was sentenced on Friday to seven years in prison.

Police said Koubar terrified his victim by leading her on buses to Brixton when she thought she was being taken to Westminster.

As she became increasingly nervous of Koubar’s actions he snatched her phone and handbag.

The woman retrieved her possessions and left the bus at West Dulwich station but Koubar followed her before he launched the "horrific" sex attack.

Police were alerted after a bystander noticed the victim looking distressed and CCTV later identified Koubar who was arrested and then charged three days after the rape.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ian Trantum, said: “Koubar is a manipulative and nasty individual who deliberately exploited the victim’s vulnerability and unfamiliarity of the city.

“He led her away from the busy city centre and raped her where he knew it would be quiet.

“Incidents like this are thankfully extremely rare, however we police a CCTV rich environment and will do everything in our power to find those responsible.

“And as in Koubar’s case, bring them before the courts.

“I would like to applaud the overwhelming bravery of this victim who had the strength to return to London to face her attacker in court.

“I’d also like to thank the Good Samaritan who helped the victim after this truly horrific attack, he supported and comforted her until police arrived.

“Koubar will now spend the next seven years in prison for his shocking actions.”