A man who police describe as “a dangerous sexual predator” has been jailed for 14 years after he sexually assaulted a woman outside his home in Croydon and filmed the attack.

At around midnight on November 18, 2023, a young woman was sexually assaulted and attacked on London Road in Croydon.

Heilab Assefa, of London Road, had met the woman earlier in the evening, but just hours later, he launched a violent assault which he filmed.

The 29-year-old was arrested at the scene.

Specialist officers began building a strong case against Assefa, resulting in charges being brought against him the following day.

At his trial he was faced with overwhelming evidence.

He pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault on June 3.

He was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, October 1.

Assefa received 14 years and four months in prison, along with an additional eight years on license, for grievous bodily harm and several sexual assault charges.

Detective Sergeant Tim Walter, who led this case said: “Assefa is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted the victim-survivor whilst she was outside his address.

“This sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders - the police will actively pursue and prosecute offenders using the full extent of the law.

“I would also like to commend the incredible work of DC Hannah Bates and PC Rose Mason.

“Without their outstanding detective ability and impressive skillsets, the evidence required to convict Assefa would not have been secured.

“Violence against women and girls has a profound and long-lasting impact on those affected. Such violence affects local communities and impacts how safe people feel where they live, and how confident they are in their local police.

“Our job is to safeguard victims and secure justice for them. We will not stop in our mission to tackle violence against women and girls.”

For more information about reporting sexual assault, visit the Met’s website. In an emergency, always call 999.