Man who raped woman in Golders Green jailed for nine years

Adhnon Marrtab, 24, targeted the 28-year-old woman as she waited for a bus in Golders Green in the early hours of October 25 last year.

She had left a hospital at around 3.45am and travelled by bus to Golders Green station.

The woman got off the bus and visited a nearby shop before crossing a road to wait for another bus to take her closer to her home.

She then noticed a man, who police later identified as Marrtab, walking towards her.

The Metropolitan Police said the woman shouted at Marrtab but he kept getting closer and grabbed her phone out of her hand.

As she pushed him away and tried to escape, he grabbed her and kept following her, making sexual comments as he did so.

Marrtab then raped and assaulted the victim in a churchyard before she escaped and jumped over a large fence before running off to seek help.

The rape happened near Golders Green station. Credit: Google Street View

The rape was reported to detectives and the Met sayid it was able to gather “undisputable evidence” that gave Marrtab no option but to plead guilty.  

This included CCTV footage that captured Marrtab boarding a bus and tapping on his Oyster card. A history of his travel was later obtained and officers were able to analyse a pattern of travel that emerged.

CCTV footage of Marrtab boarding a bus. The jacket he is seen wearing was later recovered by police with blood on Credit: Met Police

He was circulated as wanted on police systems and a manhunt was launched.

Marrtab, of no fixed address, was arrested on October 31 2021 outside a hotel in Wembley.

While in custody, a large bite mark was discovered on Marrtab’s shoulder.

Police say his victim had confirmed to officers she bit him while he was attacking her, knowing it would leave a “noticeable mark” on his shoulder.

The bite mark on Marrtab's shoulder. Credit: Met Police

Marrtab was charged with rape and sexual assault by penetration, which he pleaded guilty to.

At Harrow Crown Court on July 15, Marrtab was jailed for nine years.

Detective Constable Pat Leonte, who led the investigation, said: “This was an extremely challenging investigation and we went to great lengths to identify and reprimand Maartab. We trawled mass amounts of CCTV footage across multiple days and worked alongside various specialist teams in pursuit of him.

“Thanks to the brave victim’s compelling evidence and the work of the wider investigation team, this dangerous man is now behind bars.

“Women and girls have the right to feel safe in London, at any time day or night and we are absolutely committed to tackling all forms of violence against women and girls.”