A man has been jailed for raping a woman in Croydon, as the police appeal for more potential victims to come forward.
Guilty: John Iwuh was sentenced to 16 years in jail
John Iwuh, 54, of Albert Road, South Norwood, appeared at Croydon Crown Court yesterday where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and put on the sex offenders register for life. A restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting the victim and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was enforced.
He was previously found guilty of rape and voyeurism.
The court heard how he used his job as a nurse to gain the trust of the victim on the dating app Hinge, before luring her to his home and raping her.
When the police arrested Iwuh, they found that he had also videoed the rape. He was then further charged with voyeurism.
Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, from the South Area Command Unit, said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim-survivor who bravely reported this awful attack and for her strength throughout this investigation.
“Officers were dedicated in bringing this predator to justice and during the investigation, found that Iwuh had videoed the rape which was then used as evidence against him.
“They also discovered almost 11,000 contacts saved on his phone. Around 60% of those were saved as a woman’s name alongside the name of a dating app.
“We believe there may be more victims out there, targeted by Iwuh under the same circumstances, and urge them to contact us or their local police force.
“I hope the victim-survivor can find reassurance in our actions to put this predator behind bars and that it may give more women the strength to come forward and report crimes. You will be listened to and supported.”
The victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity, said: “This has had a devastating impact on every part of my life.
“Not only was I physically injured but it left me feeling emotionally numb and living in fear. The trauma from this affected my ability to work, relationships, and my health.
“Now he’s in prison, I do feel there has been some justice. I’ve been supported by officers throughout the investigation, and I would encourage others who have been harmed to come forward, report what has happened and get help and support.”
The court heard that Iwuh met the victim through Hinge in June 2022, and quickly moved their conversation to WhatsApp.
They met in person the following day, at Norwood Junction Station.
Iwuh lured the victim to his home in Albert Road by saying that he was limited on time as had to get ready for work at a hospital.
Once inside the property, Iwuh repeatedly kept trying to kiss the victim, which she refused. As she tried to leave the property, Iwuh forced her into his bedroom and raped her.
The victim reported Iwuh the same evening to the police using the online form and received support from specialist officers throughout the investigation.
Today, the Met Police said, “If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Iwuh, you can contact police via 101 or online.”
The police recommend that if you have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, you should contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.
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