SAMSIDI D'SOUZA-N'GOM CONVICTED OF RAPE IN LONDON AFTER BRUTAL ASSAULT ON WOMAN

A man identified as Samsidi D’Souza-N’Gom, aged 31 and residing on Marshall Road in N17, has been found guilty of the serious crime of rape following a comprehensive investigation conducted by specialized detectives in London. The conviction was announced at the Old Bailey Court on Wednesday, 19 February, after a jury was persuaded beyond doubt of his culpability in the case.

Details of the case reveal that the incident occurred on the night of Sunday, 1 September, with the victim, a woman in her twenties, reporting the assault to police on Monday, 2 September. She recounted that she had been at a pub in Hackney earlier that evening, where she was in the company of Samsidi D’Souza-N’Gom and a larger group of friends. The group had spent the evening socializing, and later, they returned to the defendant’s residence in London in the early hours of the morning.

According to the victim’s account, she was asleep when she was suddenly awakened by the defendant, who was assaulting her sexually. Despite her efforts to resist and repel his advances, she was unable to prevent the assault from occurring. The distressing incident left her traumatized, but she showed remarkable bravery by reporting the crime to the authorities and cooperating fully with the investigation.

In response to the allegations, Samsidi D’Souza-N’Gom denied any wrongdoing, claiming that all interactions between him and the victim were consensual. However, investigators, led by Detective Constable Alan Wong, meticulously examined extensive CCTV footage that played a crucial role in reconstructing the sequence of events. The footage showed the group leaving the pub together and later traveling to a cab office, providing vital evidence that supported the victim’s account.

Further witness interviews contributed additional details, helping to establish a clear timeline of the events that transpired that night. The police’s thorough approach ensured that all aspects of the case were scrutinized, ultimately leading to the conviction.

Following the verdict, Detective Constable Alan Wong expressed his appreciation for the victim’s courage, stating, “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim, who, after enduring a traumatic incident, spoke with officers and helped us with our inquiries. The support from witnesses who had seen or interacted with the victim and the defendant prior to the incident was instrumental in building a strong case.”

Detective Inspector Richard Lewsley also commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of believing victims and encouraging others to come forward. He said, “I hope this outcome reassures victims of sexual assault that we take these crimes very seriously. Many cases go unreported because victims fear insufficient evidence, but we are committed to exploring every detail to seek justice. Although this investigation took time, we are dedicated to achieving positive results regardless of how long it takes. I thank the victim for her resilience and trust, which allowed us to bring the offender to justice and ensure he is now behind bars.”

Sentencing for Samsidi D’Souza-N’Gom is scheduled to take place at the same court on 21 March, where the court will determine the appropriate punishment for his actions in London.