The Metropolitan Police has secured justice for a woman who was sexually assaulted in Stratford, leading to the conviction and sentencing of the perpetrator.
Sobirjon Boltaev, 26, of Lawton Road, Leyton, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, November 29, after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault. Boltaev will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and has been handed a sexual harm prevention order.
The Incident
The court heard that during the early hours of Sunday, July 23, 2023, the victim, a 27-year-old woman, left a bar in Hackney Wick and was approached by Boltaev near the Olympic Park in Stratford. After initiating an unwanted conversation, Boltaev kissed her without consent and subsequently led her to a wooded area where he sexually assaulted her again. The woman managed to fight him off and immediately contacted the police.
The Investigation
Specialist officers from the Met led the investigation, working tirelessly to gather evidence. This included:
- CCTV analysis to track Boltaev’s movements.
- Identifying his bicycle and recent bank transactions.
- Linking his mobile number to a delivery app account.
Boltaev was arrested on September 1, 2023, and a search of his home uncovered clothing matching that seen on CCTV footage. Witness statements confirmed he was working as a delivery driver at the time. He was charged the following day and later found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on June 24, 2024.
Victim-Survivor’s Courage
Detective Inspector Jon Ford, who led the investigation, commended the victim for her bravery:
“We hope this sentence brings some level of justice for the victim-survivor who bravely fought the perpetrator off in what must have been an extremely frightening situation and came straight to the police.”
Ford also expressed gratitude to the witnesses who provided evidence, enabling the Met to build a robust case.
The Met’s Commitment
The Met has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) as part of its New Met for London strategy. Efforts include:
- Strengthening specialist teams to prioritize VAWG cases.
- Targeting dangerous offenders and identifying high-risk locations.
- Using police powers more effectively to protect women and girls.
Support and Resources
The Met encourages victims of sexual assault to report incidents and seek help. Support is available from the following organizations:
- Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222
- National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999
- Survivors UK: 0203 598 3898 or [email protected]
- Samaritans: 116 123 or [email protected]
Victims can also visit the Met’s website for more information on how to report rape or sexual assault: met.police.uk/advice. Always call 999 in an emergency.
