A man who violently attacked a lone woman on her way home from a night out after following her off the bus has been convicted.
Sabire Sharife, 31 (05.12.85) of no fixed abode but from the Hackney area of was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 11 October of the following offences:
– attempted murder;
– sexual assault;
– possession of pointed or bladed article.
He will be sentenced at a later date to be confirmed.
At around 03:30hrs on 9 April, the victim – a woman in her 20s – was walking along Well Street, Hackney when Sharife started following her.
The victim boarded a bus followed by Sharife who sat near her on the upper deck. As she got off the bus, Sharife continued to follow her. As she walked on Rectory Road he attacked her.
Sharife pulled her to the floor after a brief struggle and produced a knife which he used to inflict a deep wound to her face. He then sexually assaulted her.
The victim sustained injuries to her hands as she tried to fight off Sharife.
Following the attack, Sharife fled the scene and left the victim bleeding heavily on the pavement.
A passing driver stopped to assist and an ambulance was called.
Police were informed and enquiries led officers to a nearby hostel where Sharife was staying – CCTV and analysis of Oyster card records confirmed his journey prior to the attack.
He was arrested later on 9 April, and subsequently charged.
DC Rachel Lloyd of the Met’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences (CASO) Command said: “Sabire Sharife actively sought out, targeted and preyed on a lone female late at night.
“The strength of evidence against Sharife was overwhelming, and that is why a jury have convicted him of the offences he committed and the impact they have had on the victim’s life.
“I would like thank the victim and acknowledge her determination and courage. Throughout the investigation she has been extremely brave and was determined to attend court.
“There may well be other victims of Sharife’s that have not reported the crime to police. We would urge them to come forward and speak to officers who will offer specialist support and thoroughly investigate the offence.”
Detective Inspector Neil Rawlinson of CASO added: “This was an extremely violent attack on a vulnerable female on her way home and she was lucky to get away with her life.
“Sharife is a dangerous individual from whom the public need protection.
“Thanks to the joint working of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences team and the local uniform and CID officers, the streets of London are now safer.”
