Syed Imam, 30, has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempted rape after he attacked a woman near a train station in Canary Wharf. Security staff intervened during the early hours of March 14, stopping the assault in an underpass and detaining Imam before police arrived.
Bodycam footage captured Imam telling Scotland Yard officers that he 'can't be arrested' and falsely accusing the security guards of lying. He was seen acting suspiciously before the attack, according to authorities.
Officers arrived within 30 minutes of the incident and took Imam into custody. He was charged within 24 hours. The victim reportedly had no recollection of the event, but evidence from CCTV and swift police work led to Imam's arrest and charge.
Imam was found guilty following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Detective Constable Madeleine Powell highlighted the critical role of the security staff, stating, "This case shows the important role everyone has to play in tackling violence against women and girls. If security staff at Canary Wharf had not bravely intervened, this violent offender could still be walking our streets, and the victim may have suffered even more harm than she already has."
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson emphasized the effectiveness of partnership working and rapid investigations. "The case demonstrates how effective partnership working, victim-focused policing and swift evidence-led investigations can combine to secure justice in the most challenging circumstances," the spokesperson said. The Met Police also noted a significant increase in positive outcomes for violence against women and girls offenses, including arrests and charges.
