Student Jailed for Attempted Rape After Shocking Street Attack Caught on CCTV
Caught in the Act at 4am
A 21-year-old student from Sicily, now living in Hackney, was locked up for trying to force a woman into a sex act at a bus stop in the early hours.
Rami Othmane was sentenced to four years behind bars at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 6 May after pleading guilty in February.
CCTV Operator’s Quick Thinking Leads to Arrest
At around 4am on 22 January, a CCTV control room staffer spotted Othmane aggressively assaulting the woman on Allerton Road, Hackney. They immediately alerted police, who rushed to the scene but found the victim alone — Othmane had fled.
Though the victim chose not to give an official statement, officers pressed on with the investigation due to the serious nature of the crime.
Tracked Down and Busted
Police traced Othmane’s movements through CCTV footage and canvassed nearby homes. Just over a week later, a resident pointed officers to his address.
When police arrived on 30 January, they spotted a coat matching the one Othmane wore during the attack — leading to his arrest and charge for attempted rape the following day.
Detective Praises Community and CCTV Role
“It is with huge thanks to the diligent CCTV operator who spotted this alarming incident and immediately called police,” said Detective Constable Dave Barrett.
“We fully respect the victim’s decision not to make a report but hope today’s outcome shows we treat all sexual offences with the utmost seriousness.
“Othmane is a dangerous individual who could have caused serious harm if not caught.”
