Man jailed for 11 years after raping woman in her home

A man who raped a woman as she slept at home has been jailed for 11 years.

Andrew White, 33, of Walworth Road, Walworth, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court yesterday.

He had been convicted at a hearing in May of one count of rape, one count of non-fatal strangulation and possession of a class B drug.

Police were called shortly before 10pm on June 18 last year after the woman, aged in her 30s, alleged that she had been asleep when she awoke to find White behind her. His genitals were exposed and her trousers had been pulled down.

When she moved away from him, White then put his hands around her neck in a choke hold.

On arrest officers searched White and found him in possession of cannabis. He was taken into custody and denied the allegations.

He was charged on June 19 and remanded in custody.

Detectives from the Central South Command Unit began investigating and gathered a wealth of witness, video and forensic evidence that would prove his guilt.

Detective Constable Mariama Connell, investigating, said: “(The victim) was asleep and White saw this as an opportunity to attack her for his own sexual gratification.

“I know she continues to live with the impact of what happened to this day. It is my hope that knowing White has received a significant custodial term will provide her some small measure of comfort.

“In the pre-sentencing report White was assessed as someone who posed a high risk of significant harm to adult women.

“As a result we believe it may be possible that there are more victims of White who have yet to come forward.

“I urge any potential victims to make contact with us immediately. We will listen to you, we will act and we will do everything we can to bring you justice.”

(Picture: The Met)