Hillingdon Man Found Guilty of Park Rape
Thomas Mangar, 36, from Bourne Avenue, Hillingdon, was convicted of rape and sexual assault after a shocking attack in Hitherbroom Park, Hayes. The verdict came following a four-day trial at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, 8 March. Mangar faces sentencing on 26 April.
Victim Wakes to Nightmare in Park
The victim, a woman in her late 20s, met friends on the evening of Monday, 11 May 2020. She intended to go home but woke up dazed and confused the next day, 12 May, around 2.45pm in Hitherbroom Park. To her horror, she found Mangar raping her while she was unconscious.
Her screams for help alerted a nearby passerby, who intervened and later gave key testimony at the trial.
Key Witness Spotlights Attack
The male witness told police he heard the victim’s screams and saw her fighting back against the attacker. Before police arrived, he confronted Mangar, who claimed he was “trying to help” the victim, believing she was having a heart attack. The attacker then fled.
Days later, the same witness spotted Mangar near the park again and alerted police, leading to Mangar’s arrest.
Damning Evidence Seals Mangar’s Fate
- Photos on Mangar’s phone showed him grinning with a thumbs-up alongside images of the unconscious victim.
- DNA from a condom found at the scene matched Mangar’s profile.
- The victim’s DNA was found on a torn condom wrapper discarded nearby.
Detective Constable Alan Wong said: “Mangar carried out an audacious attack on a vulnerable woman in broad daylight while she was unconscious, unable to consent or defend herself. Thankfully, a member of the public witnessed the incident and called the police.
“Though Mangar initially fled, he was identified and arrested thanks to the vigilance of that same witness. The investigation by the West Area Sapphire Team was thorough and relentless.
“The victim showed incredible courage coming forward and giving evidence, which, alongside the witness’s testimony, was crucial in bringing this dangerous individual to justice.
“We hope this verdict offers the victim some closure and encourages other survivors of sexual assault to report crimes, confident they will be fully supported.”
