A man has been jailed for 36 months for raping a woman at his home in Peckham after a four year investigation.
Abiodun Adeagbo, aged 33, was sentenced on Friday, June 4, after a complex investigation spanning nearly four years. He was found guilty by trial at Inner London Crown Court after pleading not guilty.
His victim first reported the rape to police in January 2016. The court heard that she had arranged to meet up Adeagbo, whom she knew as Marvin, in July the previous year.
She had travelled into London by coach and met him at Victoria, believing they were going to the cinema. But he claimed to have forgotten his cinema card and they travelled to his Peckham flat to pick it up.
Upon arrival, he suggested going into his bedroom to eat and started kissing and touching her, before trying to undo her trousers. She described being visibly distressed and trying to stop him, telling police Adeagbo carried on and raped her.
Officers were able to identify the suspect based on information his victim provided when she reported the offence. Three weeks later he was arrested at his home and denied his guilt during an interview. He was bailed but charged three years later, on August 10, 2019.
Detective Constable Benedict Harrington, of the South East Command Unit, said: “The sentencing today is the result of a complex and lengthy investigation spanning a number of years.
“I hope this shows that justice can be brought no matter the time that has passed and that victims should always feel able to speak up and come forwards to us.
“I hope the verdict brings the victim some closure after what has been a deeply upsetting and traumatising experience. She has stayed strong and supported the investigation and I commend her courage and bravery.
“The Met is absolutely committed to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault, and to making women and girls feel safe in London. Our teams stop at nothing to investigate reports of sexual offences and to provide support to victims.
“If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.”