Brutal Kidnapper and Rapist Jailed for 15 Years
A brutal criminal who kidnapped and raped a lone woman as she walked home has been locked up for over 15 years. Desmond Atumkeze, 23, from Greenwich, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 11 June to 15 years and two months behind bars, plus an additional three years on extended licence.
Atumkeze admitted to two counts of rape and one of kidnap back in March, sealing his fate after a chilling attack in 2019.
Horrific Assault in Dark Park
On the night of 8 November 2019, the 30-year-old victim was walking through a basketball court in Gallion’s Park, SE28, when Atumkeze struck. Wearing a ski mask and wielding a weapon, he threatened her with a gun, saying, “I’m going to kill you.”
He forced her to a hidden, unlit area by a drained canal, demanded she strip off, and raped her. Throughout the terrifying ordeal, he taunted her:
- “I’m local.”
- “I know your face, I know where you live.”
- Repeatedly questioned her about her personal life and relationships.
Frozen and terrified, she was then forced to wash in a cold puddle before Atumkeze rifled through her handbag, stealing her phone and headphones, forcing her to reveal her phone password.
After escorting her back to the basketball court, the man disappeared, and the victim called the police.
Perpetrator’s Lies Unravel Under Police Scrutiny
Atumkeze was swiftly arrested three days after the attack. Despite claiming blindness and inventing an alibi involving dinner and taxi rides, forensic evidence and DNA linked him directly to the crime.
When confronted, he insisted he was a virgin and physically incapable of committing the offence. Yet his internet search history told a different story, including queries like “rape kit,” “DNA profiling,” and “sexual offences” on the Crown Prosecution Service website.
Victim’s Courage Praised as Justice is Served
“Atumkeze is a dangerous individual who preyed upon a lone female and subjected her to the most horrendous ordeal where she feared for her life throughout,” said Detective Constable Kara Eyre.
“He tried to wriggle out with lies, but our evidence was rock solid. The victim’s bravery helped us put him behind bars so no other women suffer like this.”
The victim revealed the lasting trauma the attack left behind. In a powerful court statement, she described losing her independence, battling panic attacks, and struggling to trust others:
“I became terrified of going out alone. Still, to this day, I avoid being alone at night outside. “I have panic attacks and anxiety, lost weight, and suffer flashbacks. I find it hard to trust people, especially men. It’s been a struggle to talk about what happened, but I needed support.”
She expressed fears for her future, saying the attack has affected her dreams of marriage and family.
Community Urged to Stay Vigilant
Atumkeze’s conviction sends a clear warning to predators lurking in the dark. The victim’s ordeal highlights the ongoing risks women face and the importance of reporting crimes to bring offenders to justice.
