Leigh Rough Rapist in London

MAY 2006 - A man accused of sexual assault, who claimed to be the son of Lulu, was convicted yesterday of raping a young woman.

Leigh Rough, aged 31, convinced his victim and her companion to accompany him after an intoxicated evening out.

Following the night, after engaging in consensual sexual activity with the friend in a bedroom, he then went downstairs and assaulted the 23-year-old student while she was unconscious on the sofa.

The victim described to the court how she and her friend met Rough, a native of Aberdeen, at a bar in central London last July.

She stated: "I believe he purchased drinks for myself and my friend.

He claimed to be Lulu's son." The woman explained that she had refused Rough's advances throughout the evening because she was in a relationship.

However, she decided to go back to his house in West Hampstead as her friend was interested in him and wanted to visit.

Rough and the friend went upstairs, and the victim eventually fell asleep on the sofa.

She later awoke to find Rough engaged in sexual activity with her.

She recounted: "I felt disoriented.

I realized I was being intimate but thought it was with my boyfriend.

When I opened my eyes and saw Leigh’s face, I told him, 'Don't do that.' I was not in a state to defend myself." Although Rough insisted the woman consented, a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London found him guilty by a vote of 10-2.

He shook his head as the verdict was announced.

Now residing in Whyteleafe, Surrey, Rough is scheduled for sentencing on July 7.

Judge Patrick O'Mahony warned him: "You must understand loud and clear that you will face a significant prison sentence."