'Dangerous sexual predator' from Tottenham jailed after raping woman

Rafat Galhad admitted one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against one woman

Wood Green Crown Court and (inset) Rafat Galhad

A “dangerous” Tottenham rapist has been jailed for an attack on a woman he offered to help walk home.

Rafat Galhad, aged 20 of Ashmount Road in Tottenham, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court for one count of rape and one count of attempted rape against one woman.

Detective Constable Imran Musalman, the officer leading the investigation, said: “Galhad was a dangerous sexual predator who targeted the victim-survivor while she was on a night out. This sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders – the police will actively pursue and prosecute offenders using the full extent of the law.

“Violence against women and girls has a profound and long-lasting impact on those affected. Such violence affects local communities and impacts how safe people feel where they live, and how confident they are in their local police. Our job is to safeguard victims and secure justice for them. We will not stop in our mission to tackle violence against women and girls.”

Police were first made aware of Galhad when the victim-survivor made an emergency call on December 2023 to say she had been raped at a property in east London.

The victim-survivor had been out with friends in Hackney on Kingsland Road when Galhad offered to walk the victim home. He then subjected the victim-survivor to a violent rape, causing multiple injuries.

Immediately responding to the call, local officers worked quickly to find Galhad, arresting him within 24 hours, and interviewed him immediately. Specialist officers then worked to build a watertight case against Galhad, resulting in him being charged two days after the incident.

He was sent to trial at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 10th June, where he pleaded guilty to his offences.

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