On Wednesday, 1 June, Antonino Giagu, 58 of Fulham Palace Road, W6, appeared at Southwark Crown Court for sentencing.
He had already pled guilty to attempted rape, causing serious bodily injury (section 20), and having a bladed article.
Giagu arrived at a Marylebone flat in the early hours of Monday, February 28th, where he had agreed to meet a 22-year-old female sex worker.
He pulled her onto a bed and threatened her with a knife when she opened the door, demanding she have sex with him for free. He covered her lips with his hands to keep her from shouting for help.
Despite her terror for her life, the victim managed to access her phone and accept an incoming call, pleading for aid.
Her acquaintance, a 41-year-old male, arrived quickly to assist. Giagu attempted to assault the man with the knife several times but was unsuccessful.
Giagu was wrestled out of the flat and onto an external stairway, where he disappeared.
Officers responded shortly after the police were called. They were able to apprehend Giagu and take him into custody.
On Thursday, March 17th, he was charged and remanded in detention.
The inquiry was led by Detective Constable Lloyd Leech of the Westminster Rape and Serious Sexual Offenses Unit.
“This was a horrific attack on a woman who was alone and vulnerable,” DC Leech stated. Giagu’s presence at the flat with a knife strongly shows it was deliberate and pre-planned.
“That night, his actions horrified the victim and her friend.” Without their bravery, the outcome could have been far worse.
“We know that assaults on sex workers, particularly sexual assaults, are vastly underreported.” They deserve justice just like any other victim, and I hope this case demonstrates that we will do all in our power to seek it for them.
“It is not our business to make decisions. No matter who they are or what they do, we will treat everyone who reports a crime with dignity and respect. I would like to encourage any sex workers who have been the victim of an assault or other crime to come forward. We will listen to you and consider your suggestions carefully. Officers with specialised training are on hand to assist.”
