Will be deported upon release from prison
A man's been jailed for a minimum of 6 years following a rape outside St Faith's church on the Ealing/Brentford border.
David Simapuka, aged 43, of no fixed address had previously pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court on 2nd September.
The 17 year old woman had been waiting for a bus in Windmill Lane in the early hours of the morning on 25th May 2009, Simapuka dragged her into the grounds of the church and raped her.
An investigation was launched by Hounslow Sapphire Team and DNA samples were obtained from the victim. A match on the DNA database identified Simapuka.
Extensive enquiries were undertaken and it became clear that Simapuka was moving around the country and changing mobile phones frequently to avoid being arrested.
Officers received information which led them to Watford where Simapuka was found and arrested on 3rd July 2009. It is believed he may have been intending to leave the UK.
Detective Sergeant Louise Caveen of Hounslow Sapphire Unit said:
"This was a particularly frightening assault for the victim and I thank her for having the courage to come forward and report this to us. Her bravery
throughout this traumatic time enabled us to trace Simapuka and bring him to
justice.
"Anyone who is a victim of this type of crime can be assured that the Metropolitan Police Service treat all reports of rape seriously and I would encourage them to report any incidences of this nature to us."
Simapuka was subsequently charged with two counts of rape and further offences which were discontinued/left to lie on file.
On jailing Simapuka the judge instructed he be placed on the sex offenders register for life and be deported on his release from prison.
December 15th, 2009