Man Guilty of Attempted Rape After Chilling Tube Attack in Merton
Speedy Verdict for 20-Year-Old Attacker
A 20-year-old man has been convicted for a terrifying attempted rape in Merton. Khaled Argoub, from Garratt Terrace, SW17, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 21 February. The jury took under two hours to convict him on seven serious charges, including two counts of attempted rape, choking with intent, sexual assault by penetration, and three further sexual assaults.
Horrific Night Tube Assault
The victim, a woman in her 20s, was heading home after a night out when Argoub followed her on the night tube. After she got off at Colliers Wood around 3:30am, he pounced. Argoub dragged her into Wandle Park, choked her, and made two attempts to rape her before sexually assaulting her.
Desperate, the woman escaped and ran to a nearby block of flats begging for help. Police arrived within five minutes. She was hospitalised with significant cuts, scratches, and a hoarse voice from strangulation.
CCTV and DNA Seal the Case
Police carried out a detailed search, recovering a distinctive baseball cap with a ‘B’ logo. CCTV footage captured a man matching Argoub’s description wearing that exact cap as he followed and filmed the victim leaving the tube station.
Forensic tests confirmed Argoub’s DNA at the scene. He was arrested on 24 August 2019 and charged immediately.
Detective Praises Victim’s Bravery
Detective Inspector Rachael Samuel said: “I want to praise the bravery of the victim, who endured a horrific ordeal and showed exceptional strength by assisting us throughout this investigation.”
“Thanks also to the victim’s family and our dedicated officers who worked tirelessly to bring this offender to justice. We encourage all victims of sexual violence to come forward.”
Argoub’s sentencing is set for 31 March at Kingston Crown Court.
