Beckenham Man Jailed for Nine Years Over Brutal Rape and Robbery
A 26-year-old from Beckenham has been locked up for nine years after a vile attack on a lone woman in Woolwich. Hussein Roble preyed on a drunk woman outside a pub, subjecting her to an hour of terror including sexual assault, robbery, strangulation, and rape.
Horrific Attack in Woolwich
Roble targeted the vulnerable woman after she left the Earl of Chatham pub in the early hours of November 18 last year. Prosecutor Michael Hillman revealed at Woolwich Crown Court that Roble lured her into an underground car park, partially undressed her, and sexually assaulted her.
When she tried to walk away, Roble grabbed her by the throat and stole her phone. The woman chased him and begged for it back. He then led her into a stairwell of a nearby block of flats, telling her she could only have her phone and leave if she complied with his demands. He then raped her before handing back the phone. The woman fled and alerted police.
Dangerous Offender with Violent Past
- Roble has a lengthy criminal record including Class A drug dealing and domestic violence.
- He was previously charged but cleared of a 2015 murder.
- Forensic evidence, including handprints, linked him to the crime scene.
Roble initially denied the charges but later pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, and robbery.
Judge Calls Roble a Dangerous Threat to Women
Sentencing on September 30, Judge David Miller branded Roble a “dangerous offender” who targeted a “vulnerable, intoxicated woman alone on semi-deserted streets.” The judge handed down an extended sentence of nine years in prison plus a seven-year extended licence period. Roble must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before parole consideration.
Defence lawyer George Wills said Roble was “genuinely remorseful” and denied gang links despite probation reports suggesting otherwise.
Roble, of Beckenham Road, Beckenham, will also be placed on the sex offenders register for life.
