OSMAN SULEYMAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SHOCKING ASSAULT AND RAPE IN CHARLTON
A man found unanimously guilty of violently assaulting and raping a woman in Charlton has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.Detectives described the case as "one of the most shocking cases we've ever dealt with" because of the extreme violence used by Osman Suleyman, who has no fixed address.
The 31-year-old was convicted of raping a 23-year-old woman, known to him, after she returned with friends to a flat in Charlton following a night out on October 4, 2019.
Suleyman demanded that the victim perform sexual acts on him in exchange for drugs and alcohol, then became violent, repeatedly hitting her in the face with a knuckle duster and the sheath of a knife.
He forced her to perform a sexual act and raped her, threatening her with death if she reported the incident.
A friend called the police shortly after, prompting officers to force entry into the flat, where they found blood smeared on the walls and the kitchen door.
Suleyman was arrested at the scene.
On March 17, at Woolwich Crown Court, Suleyman was found unanimously guilty of two counts of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH), threats to kill, and false imprisonment.
He was sentenced on June 26 at Woolwich Crown Court to 16 years in prison, with an extended five years on licence.
The assault left the victim with extensive injuries, including cuts and bruises to her face and body.
Detective Constable Ben Harrington of the South East Command Unit said: "This was a horrible crime and the victim was subjected to a dreadful ordeal.
Thankfully she has been able to recover from her injuries, but the impact of such a crime goes beyond the physical injuries.
The Met recognises the traumatic nature of such crimes, which is why victims are supported by specialist officers.
I hope that seeing the man responsible brought to justice will help her recovery." Suleyman was described as a violent individual, with the jury's unanimous verdict confirming his guilt on all charges.
Detective Harrington added, "This is certainly one of the most shocking cases I have ever dealt with.
The violence used was appalling.
Suleyman now faces a long prison sentence for his crimes, which is thoroughly deserved." During the court proceedings, it was revealed that on October 4, Suleyman and others were out in Woolwich Town Centre, including the 23-year-old woman known to him.
The group returned early on October 5 to a flat in Charlton, which belonged to a friend where Suleyman was temporarily staying.
Initially, the evening was described as good-natured, but Suleyman's mood shifted.
He demanded that the victim perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs and alcohol he had purchased.
When she refused, he became violent, hitting her repeatedly with objects including a knuckle duster, kicking her, and ultimately raping her.
Following the attack, the victim saw a friend who noticed her distress, and the friend called the police.
Officers attended the scene, where they observed bloodstains on the walls, kitchen door, and suspected bloodstained clothing and bedding in a washing machine.
Suleyman was at the address and arrested when police forced entry.
In interviews, Suleyman denied any involvement in the assault or rape, responding with "no comment" to questions.
This case underscores the severity of the crime and the impact on the victim, highlighting the importance of dedicated support for victims of such traumatic incidents.
