An individual described as a “predator” has been sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for attempting to rape a woman near Buckingham Palace. The perpetrator, 54-year-old Ramzi Barkat, followed the woman out of St James’s Park in central London on September 7, 2024. Despite the victim’s rejection of his advances, Barkat proceeded to physically assault her before being thwarted by three courageous soldiers who heard her screams.
During the sentencing at Southwark Crown Court, His Honour Judge Justin Cole condemned Barkat for preying on a vulnerable woman and labeled his actions as predatory. The judge also criticized the police officers involved in the case, citing a series of mishandlings that led to Barkat being released despite the severity of the incident.
Judge Cole expressed dismay at the police’s handling of the situation, stating that Barkat was let go despite being caught in the act and posing a continued threat to public safety. Barkat, an Algerian-born resident of Mildmay Road, North London, was found guilty of attempted rape and assault. The defendant claimed he was only attempting to steal the victim’s phone.
In addition to the prison sentence, Barkat was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year restraining order. Judge Cole announced his intention to nominate the soldiers who intervened for the High Sheriff Bravery Awards.
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