Man who raped woman then stole her phone jailed for 15 years

Police discover rapist lurking outside victim’s address

He got out a knife after going in the property and threatened the woman – leading her to worry her life was at risk (Metropolitan Police)

A man who raped a woman at knifepoint before stealing her phone, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Diljeet Grewal had arranged to meet his victim at her home in Hillingdon, west London, Isleworth Crown Court heard before he was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and aggravated burglary at in August.

But after the 28-year-old met the woman in her 30s, he pulled out a knife and threatened her, leading her to fear for her life.

He went on to attack her over two-and-a-half hours, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

After he finished attacking the woman, he stole her phone and threatened her again and demanding she give him money.

The woman, who was left with numerous injuries, gave him what she could from her handbag, but he carried on ransacking her room hunting for more, before finally leaving the property.

Police discovered Grewal lurking outside the address when they arrived at the scene and he was immediately detained.

Detective Constable Mark Palmer, who led the investigation, said he hoped the sentencing would give the woman “some measure of closure.”

He added: “I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in supporting our investigation and identifying Grewal as her attacker. I also hope it encourages any victims of sexual assault, to come forward and trust that officers will treat crimes of this nature respectfully and seriously regardless of the circumstances.”

Grewal will have to serve an additional five years on license when he is released.