GEORGE WALLACE SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS IN PRISON IN WOOLWICH FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE
A man who believed himself to be Jesus and broke into a woman's home intending to assault her has been sentenced to nine years in prison.George Wallace, aged 26, had been drinking heavily when he climbed into the 58-year-old grandmother's home while she was sleeping.
He forcibly removed her from her bed but fled the scene when her daughter entered the room to investigate the noise.
Police investigations revealed a trail of muddy footprints leading from the scene, along with Wallace's fingerprints on the bathroom window and his DNA on a vodka bottle found at the scene.
At Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, Wallace was convicted by a jury of carrying out the assault and was subsequently sentenced.
Prosecutor Amanda Hamilton described the incident, stating that it occurred just before 7 am on November 10 of the previous year.
The victim, who was recovering after a late-night gathering with her family, was suddenly awakened when someone forcefully opened her bedroom door.
She recognized that the figure was unfamiliar and attempted to scream, although her efforts were hindered by medical equipment she wore.
Ms.
Hamilton explained that the woman managed to push the assailant away as he approached her.
Wallace then seized her wrists, declaring, "My name is Jesus, I have come to f*** you," and pulled her off the bed.
Despite her protests and resistance, including kicking out at him, he attempted to remove her clothing.
The attacker had dropped his own trousers when her daughter entered the room, which was a key detail leading to his identification.
Forensic evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, firmly linked Wallace to the scene.
The victim also positively identified him from an identity parade.
Detective Constable Paul Harakis of the Met’s South Area Safeguarding team emphasized the importance of forensic evidence, saying, "The fingerprint and DNA evidence in this investigation was vital in identifying Wallace.
The victim has shown tremendous courage in giving evidence.
This case shows how working across the organisation with teams such as forensic specialists helps to secure a conviction." Prior to the attack, Wallace was caught on camera purchasing a bottle of vodka from a nearby petrol station.
However, he claimed he was not responsible.
He told detectives that he had been out at a club with his brother and was on his way to his girlfriend’s house when he encountered a man requesting help.
Wallace asserted that he had assisted another man in climbing through a bathroom window, believing that the man had been locked out of his own home.
Wallace, who resides in Orpington, denied the charges but was found guilty of attempted rape and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Recorder Joel Bennathan QC sentenced him to nine years in prison, with an additional five years on license upon release.
Wallace is required to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
