LONDON MAN JAILED FOR SERIES OF SEX ATTACKS ON WOMEN
Mehdi Midani, a 28-year-old man from Algeria who was residing as an illegal immigrant in London, was convicted of carrying out a series of sexual assaults on women in the south London area, specifically Clapham and Brixton, between October 22 and 31.Over a span of ten days, he attacked eight women aged between 20 and 30.
The assaults included groping women in or near their homes after stalking them from busy areas near tube stations into quiet residential neighborhoods.
One woman was assaulted in her hallway.
Court proceedings revealed Midani was convicted of six counts of sexual assault and one of common assault, with a seventh charge of sexual assault also admitted by him.
Evidence used included DNA and identification from an identity parade.
Midani refused to communicate with police or testify during the trial, and he claimed in a pre-sentence report that he was intoxicated with whisky, vodka, and cocaine during the attacks.
He stated that he had traveled to Brixton from North London to buy drugs.
Victims provided statements highlighting the emotional and psychological impact of his crimes, with many feeling scared to go out alone after dark and altering their routines.
The judge sentenced him to eight years in prison, and the UK Border Agency declared he would be deported after serving his sentence.
Numerous community members and police officials expressed their concern over the fear his attacks caused and the importance of justice being served.
