A barber has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after attempting to rape a shop assistant in a “disturbing” attack that took place in broad daylight.
John Akinrinola, 23, attacked an off-licence staff member after entering the shop, picking up a bottle of wine, and drinking it. When the shop assistant confronted him, Akinrinola grabbed her genitals, pulled his trousers down, forced her to the ground, and attempted to rape her.
The incident occurred around 11 am on December 12, when the female shop worker was alone in the shop. The courageous woman managed to scratch her attacker’s face and hit him on the head before he got off her and left the shop.
Akinrinola, who worked as a barber in Bexley, admitted to sexual assault and attempted rape but gave no explanation for the violent attack. He was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday (June 19).
Judge Christopher Grout, who reviewed CCTV footage of the attack, described it as “very disturbing.” He said, “That woman was subjected to a very serious assault. She does an incredible job of defending herself against him. The whole thing lasts for nearly 10 minutes.”
Police were called, and Akinrinola was arrested nearby. During police questioning, he answered no comment to all questions.
Akinrinola was later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, but doctors concluded that his mental health did not impact his behaviour during the attack. He had no previous convictions, no prior mental health issues, and was married at the time of the offence.
Judge Grout expressed his confusion over Akinrinola’s actions, stating he was “left in the void” as to why the defendant had committed the crime. Akinrinola provided no explanation other than admitting he had smoked cannabis earlier that day.
“You have accepted that you had taken cannabis; certainly from the CCTV it is clear that you were acting under the influence, though I make it clear that it is no excuse for what happened,” Judge Grout said.
In addition to his prison sentence, Akinrinola will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance in public places. The brave actions of the shop assistant in defending herself and promptly alerting the authorities were crucial in bringing the attacker to justice.
