Three convicted over brothel rapes and robberies
Three found guilty of robbing and raping women at London brothels
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Monday, 20, Oct 2008 06:55
A trio of men face sentencing after being found guilty of robbing and raping women at brothels in east London.
Ibrahim Gunduz, 18, Imani Williams, 20, and 21-year-old Andre Victor, targeted some six premises in Newham, Hackney and Waltham Forest between January 11th and February 16th this year, robbing 13 women and subjecting seven to serious sexual assaults, including rape.
And after CCTV and DNA evidence revealed their guilt, the three were convicted at Snaresbrook crown court on Monday.
Investigating officer DI Larry Smith, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said the men had acted like "like kids in a candy shop" throughout the crimes.
"They thought they could take what they liked, no doubt thinking they would get away with their crimes as they were targeting prostitutes," he continued.
"Motivated initially by robbery, the attacks they carried out were gratuitous and utterly unnecessary."
DI Smith added: "They targeted women who by the nature of their work may have been reluctant to report the matter to police so I am grateful for their bravery in standing up in court and ensuring these three men did not get away with such despicable crimes."
The incidents occurred at premises in Walthamstow (January 11th), Leytonstone (January 21st), Forest Gate (February 11th), Leyton (February 13th), a separate Leytonstone address (February 14th) and Hackney (February 16th).
Having approached the premises as customers, the three committed their crimes once entry was granted.
It is believed Williams and Victor initially worked alone but on finding the women were wary of two black men, enlisted the help of Gunduz, who is Turkish, for the final three offences.
The court heard that Gunduz posed with a crutch to give the impression he had a limp and then held the door open for Williams and Victor, having gained entry through the buzzer system.
The attacks became progressively more violent with women subjected to gang rapes, while items stolen included cash, mobile phones, keys and Oyster cards.
They will be sentenced on November 27th.