Neighbour Jailed for Breaking Into Woman’s Home and Sexually Assaulting Her
Abel Mahari, 35, a homeless man, was slammed with a four-year and three-month jail sentence at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, 8 December. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s inside her Lambeth home.
Terrifying Midnight Attack
On 5 September 2021, the victim was fast asleep when Mahari sneaked into her property. He took off his shoes and quietly crept through the house to her bedroom. Suddenly, she woke to find him sexually assaulting her. She screamed and shouted for help, forcing Mahari to flee.
While calling the police, the terrified woman spotted Mahari outside her home. To her shock, he was her neighbour.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest
The Met’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit jumped on the case immediately. They gathered CCTV footage matching Mahari’s description and collected forensic evidence linking him to the scene. He was arrested and charged without delay.
Mahari pleaded guilty but later tried – and failed – to appeal his plea at court.
Victim Speaks Out
“Someone coming into your home in the middle of the night and touching you in such an intimate way is something you think will never happen to you. My home was my sanctuary and he took that away from me,” the victim said.
“This has made me paranoid. I now feel like anything could happen to me. It’s a horrible way to view the world. Only in the last few weeks has my confidence started to return. Since the attack, I didn’t want to go outside or face any unwanted attention. I didn’t feel safe.”
Detective Praises Victim’s Courage
Detective Sergeant Will Wigzell, from the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:
“This was an incredibly traumatic incident. I thank the victim for her bravery in supporting our investigation. The impact of this crime will stay with her for life, but I hope this sentence helps her healing process.”
“We urge anyone who has suffered sexual assault to come forward. Our specially trained officers are here to listen and support you. This case proves we are relentless in pursuing justice for victims.”
