Two brothers who committed a “horrific sex attack” by tying a woman up with shoelaces and raping her in her home in North Acton have been jailed.
Ovidiu, 30, and Andrei Mamaliga, 28, were each jailed for 12 years on Friday (December 1) after being found guilty of rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, actual bodily harm and theft.
Isleworth Crown Court heard that at around 7.30am on May 10 the brothers started a conversation with the victim, a woman in her 40s, outside her home in North Acton.
The Romanian nationals left the woman, but returned later that morning and chatted with her again, at which point one of the brothers followed her into her home and asked to use the toilet.
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After she declined, the brothers attacked the woman, tying her up with shoelaces they had brought with them before undressing and raping her.
Leaving the victim “traumatised” by the horrific attack, the pair then made off from the scene with cash, jewellery and mobile phones stolen from the victim.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Tim Desai, who led the investigation, said the Romanian nationals pose a “huge danger to women”.
“This was a horrific sex attack committed by two brothers who pose a huge danger to women and should be behind bars,” he said.
“The victim was friendly and welcoming when they engaged her in conversation, but she could have no clue as to their violent intentions.
“She has been left traumatised by what happened, and I praise her bravery in first reporting the attack and then coming face-to-face with her attackers and testifying against them to ensure their convictions.”
After the brothers, both of no fixed abode, left the scene, the victim called Metropolitan Police and the force's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command launched an investigation.
The scene was examined for forensic evidence, with the DNA profiles found matching the two brothers, and CCTV footage showed the brothers near the scene at the time.
Both were arrested in the Wembley area on June 6 but denied any involvement in police interviews.
Isleworth Crown Court heard during the trial that the brothers had been released from prison in France last year after serving a sentence for rape.
Applications for them both to be deported at the end of the sentences have been made.
Detective Inspector Desai added: “There may well be other victims of these two men who for whatever reason did not report the crime to police at the time.
“We would urge you to contact police - our specially trained officer will provide you with any support you need, and we will do everything we can to achieve justice for you."
If you were a victim of the Mamaliga brothers or you would like to report a sexual offence, contact police via 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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