A Hounslow rapist was jailed today for an attack on a young woman outside a block of flats in Bath Road that has 'devastated' her life.
Ramazan Mukalazi, 25, of Benson Close, Hounslow, was sentenced to eight years at Kingston Crown Court for one count of anal rape and could be deported back to Uganda after he has served time.
His 21-year-old victim was returning from a night out in Central London just after midnight on Ocotober 19 when unemployed Mukalazi struck. He grabbed her, stuck his fingers down her throat and threatened to kill her with a knife he claimed to be carrying before forcing her to climb over railings into a grassy area by the flats where he raped her.
She was found by police who were called by a concerned neighbour who overheard her pleading with Mukalazi not to hurt her and was taken to a Haven care centre. Mukalazi was arrested a week later in a pub in Hounslow.
The victim said: "I am not sleeping properly and so I am always tired. I am experiencing constant flashbacks to the attack. The memories have remained with me and I can't help thinking about the attack all the time. I want to forget, move on as they say, but I just can't. Accounting for everything, my life has been devastated by what happened on that particular night.
"Since the rape my life has changed beyond compare with what it had been before. I have not been for nights out and have curtailed my social life completely. If I have to go anywhere I will always ensure that I have a lift there and a lift back otherwise I will not go. On the occasions that I have gone out I ensure it is only until mid evening; I never go out alone. I am now in fear of being out late at night even if I could be in the company of friends."
DC Freya Moxham, of Operation Sapphire in Hounslow, said: "The victim has been left traumatised by the attack, and although she has recovered from her physical injuries her mental scars will last for longer. I hope the conclusion of the trial will provide some sort of resolution for her and will enable her to look forward and reassure the public that all allegations of rape are fully and comprehensively investigated.
"It's possible Mukalazi has preyed on other victims and I would urge them to come forward by calling 0208 721 9100. They will be supported by specially trained officers from Sapphire".
