Two Men Sexually Assaulted Homeless Woman in King Street Hotel
Both attackers jailed for eleven years
Matthew Bibb (left) and Jake Johnson. Picture: Met Police
Two men who launched a violent sexual assault against a homeless woman in Hammersmith have been jailed for eleven years each.
26-year-old Jake Johnson of no fixed address and 32-year-old Matthew Bibb of Slingfield Road, Birmingham were staying a hotel in King Street on 12 November 2018.
In the early hours they went out to get alcohol from a 24-shop and encountered the woman who they pretended to befriend, inviting her back to their hotel room to warm up and get a hot drink.
It was a cold and wet night so the victim accepted the offer but once she was there she was subjected to a prolonged and violent sexual assault by Johnson and Bibb before they threw her out.
Despite being very distressed, she told the hotel manager and her friends what had happened and Johnson and Bibb were detained.
When questioned they denied the assault or even that the victim had been in their room.
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command embarked on what they described as a long and complex investigation in which CCTV, forensic evidence and witness testimonies were used to build a case against the pair.
As a result, Johnson and Bibb were each charged in June 2021 with rape and sexual assault.
Their trial started on Monday, 21 November at Isleworth Crown Court. Johnson and Bibb initially pleaded not guilty, but changed their pleas to guilty of sexual assault on the third day. The attempted rape charge was left on file.
Detective Constable Carrina Turner said, “Bibb and Johnson subjected the victim – a clearly vulnerable woman - to horrific, humiliating and degrading sexual abuse. They are exactly those predatory and violent sexual offenders who we are committed to taking off our streets.
“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and composure throughout this lengthy investigation. I know that she is understandably still suffering from the long-term effects of such a terrifying ordeal, but hope she can take some comfort in this result and the knowledge her actions have potentially prevented further offences.
“We always treat any allegation of sexual assault seriously and work hard to support and seek justice for the victim. I would urge any victims to speak to us directly or to contact us through a third-party support group such as The Havens or London Survivors Gateway. Both offer a 24/7 urgent advice number if you need to speak with someone for the first time. The most important thing is to not suffer in silence.”
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November 25, 2022