Southfields Man Guilty Of Rape & Robbery

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thanks to the sharp eyes of a Safer Neighbourhood constable

Twenty two year old Daniel Web was given an indefinite sentence for the protection of the public on Wednesday, following his conviction for rape and robbery on a woman in Southfields in May this year.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Kingston Crown Court on 16 July 2008 to three counts of rape and one count of robbery.

It follows an investigation by Wandsworth CID and the sharp eyes of a Safer Neighbourhood constable that enabled Webb to be caught within eight hours of the incident.

The court heard that a 23-year-old woman was walking in the direction of Southfields around 04.30 am on 4 May, 2008. She had just got off a night bus near Tibbets Corner roundabout.

She was followed for about half a mile before a man suddenly grabbed her and dragged her into some bushes at the side of the road. Then he forced her to the ground and repeatedly raped her in a 15 minute ordeal. As he left, he also robbed her of an iPod.

The victim called emergency services and was taken to The Haven for care and support.

Officers from Wandsworth CID were called in. The victim had given a good description of the suspect as a white man with a goatee beard. At first, she said, he was wearing gloves but took them off when he started to attack her. At this point, she noticed three distinctive rings on his left hand.

Detectives suspected her attacker was likely to live in the area and began a search on the police intelligence database to see if there was any recent information about sex offenders locally; they extended the search criteria to include 'rings' in the description.

Webb was one of the suggestions and when they saw he was a previous sex offender and lived very close to the scene of the rape, officers decided to go directly to his address. Webb was found at home at 14.00, wearing three heavy gold rings on his left hand, as described by the victim.

He was arrested on suspicion of rape. A search of his home revealed an iPod; it turned out to be the one he stole from the victim.

DCI John McFarlane of Wandsworth Police said:
"The local officer performed a first rate service here, employing good observation skills and a shrewd approach that was to pay off at a later date when someone saw his comments about the distinctive rings and made a match. This case highlights the benefits of local policing teams, knowing the community they serve. Regular interaction between SN police teams and local criminals, builds good local knowledge.

"Webb was rounded up in the fastest possible time as a result. We must also commend the victim for her bravery in this case and the way she was able to provide such a good description, despite the ordeal she had suffered.

"I know the knowledge that Webb is off the streets will help the victim to get on with her life and try to get back to normal. We assure everyone that we will investigate all allegations of sexual assault and support victims through the prosecution process."

 

October 9, 2008