A PREDATORY rapist who was found guilty of attacking an 18-year old girl in Hayes last year has been jailed.

Jagdeep Chahal, 23, of Barnhill Road, Hayes, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court today (March 12) for the rape, after being found guilty last September following a two-week trial.

The attack happened in the early hours of April 8 last year.

The court heard how Chahal had followed the woman from a bus stop in Uxbridge Road, Hayes, and the victim, wary of Chahal's presence, slowed to let him pass.

He continued to follow her on the other side of the road before pouncing, forcing his hand into her mouth as she screamed out and dragging her into an alleyway. He then threatened the victim before raping her.

A member of the public heard the victim's screams and rang police who attended the scene within minutes.

Chahal, disturbed by the officers' arrival, stopped the assault and attempted to flee.

Officers spotted Chahal climbing over a wall, and he was immediately detained whilst other officers went to the aid of the victim. He was subsequently charged with rape and remanded into custody.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, and DS Leanne Cranford, of the Hounslow Sapphire Unit, a unit specialising in sex crimes, said: "The impact on his victim, her family, friends and the local community cannot be measured. My praise goes out to the victim who showed tremendous courage, not only on that night but also by her support in this prosecution to ensure that he has been taken off the streets of Hayes.

"I hope knowing that her attacker is now behind bars will go some way towards allowing the victim to come to terms with what has happened to her and allow her to go on to have a fulfilling future.

"I think special mention should be made of the woman who, rather than ignoring the victim's calls for help, picked up the phone and rang 999. Without that phone call Chahal may not have been apprehended.

"We encourage victims of sexual assault to have the confidence to come forward to police as soon as possible.

"If anyone believes they may have been a victim of Chahal, I would encourage them to contact their local police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."