KHOSHAAL GHAFOORI SENTENCED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE NEAR TEDDINGTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

In a disturbing incident that took place near Teddington Memorial Hospital, a man identified as Khoshaal Ghafoori was sentenced to nine years in prison after attempting to sexually assault a teenage girl in a secluded alleyway. The assault occurred in the early hours of October 11, 2019, when Ghafoori, aged 33, approached the 19-year-old victim shortly after she disembarked from a Route 281 bus outside the hospital premises in Richmond.

According to reports, Ghafoori initially engaged the young woman in conversation, attempting to establish some form of interaction. However, his intentions quickly turned sinister when he suddenly tried to kiss her without warning. The victim, feeling threatened and frightened, instinctively pulled away from him and hurriedly moved down a nearby side path to escape the situation.

Despite her efforts to distance herself, Ghafoori was not deterred. He pursued her along the pathway, ultimately attacking her in an attempt to carry out a sexual assault. The young woman, demonstrating remarkable resilience and courage, fought back fiercely, managing to break free from his grip. She then ran to the nearest member of the public, where she reported the assault and described what had transpired.

Following her report, emergency services were contacted immediately. However, by the time police arrived at the scene, Ghafoori had already fled the area. A thorough forensic investigation was launched by the South West Command Unit to locate and apprehend the suspect. Their efforts paid off when, on October 27, officers spotted Ghafoori in a street in West London. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

The following day, on October 28, Ghafoori was formally charged with attempted rape. He was remanded in custody as he awaited trial. The case proceeded through the judicial system, and in March, Ghafoori was found guilty of the attempted rape. His sentencing took place on May 24, where he received a nine-year prison term.

Detective Inspector Simon Dowling, who led the investigation on behalf of the South West Command Unit, expressed his condemnation of the attack. He described the incident as a “horrific and cowardly attack” on a young woman, emphasizing the seriousness with which the authorities treated such crimes and their commitment to bringing offenders to justice.