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Security guard raped woman who got into his patrol car thinking it was her Uber

Sola Warikwah, 39, attacked the victim, who was in her 20s, in the early hours of Easter Monday: CPS
Sola Warikwah, 39, attacked the victim, who was in her 20s, in the early hours of Easter Monday: CPS

A security guard who raped a vulnerable woman in a car park after she mistook his patrol vehicle for an Uber is facing jail .

Sola Warikwah, 39, attacked the victim, who was in her 20s, in the early hours of Easter Monday as she made her way home from a Bethnal Green nightclub.

Warikwah was working as a patrol manager for security firm Securitas visiting sites in central London between 7pm and 7am when he spotted the lone woman.

The victim had made her way to Embankment from the East End and then mistaken his company car for a taxi and got in.

Warikwah was working as a patrol manager for security firm Securitas (CPS)
Warikwah was working as a patrol manager for security firm Securitas (CPS)

Just after 3am he drove her to a deserted car park in Belgravia, which he had patrolled earlier in the evening, and assaulted her.

She texted a friend after the ordeal saying: “I’ve been raped. I feel sick. He won’t take me home.”

Warikwah, who claimed the victim consented, was found guilty one count of rape at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

Warikwah drove the victim to a deserted car park in Belgravia (CPS)
Warikwah drove the victim to a deserted car park in Belgravia (CPS)

Nahid Mannan, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "This was an opportunistic sexual attack on a vulnerable victim who was trying to make her way home after a night out.

“Warikwah had patrolled the car park where he raped the victim just hours before - no doubt taking note that it was virtually deserted.

“During the trial Warikwah claimed that the sexual activity had been consensual. Using witness testimony and CCTV the prosecution was able to prove that he was lying. Rape cases are some of the most complex and challenging to prosecute.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case who courageously supported the prosecution and gave evidence against her attacker.

“He will now spend a significant time in prison where he will no longer be a threat to women."

Warikwah, of Deptford, is due to be sentenced on November 6.