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Migrant raped male pensioner after 'dragging him behind UK church' in 20-minute attack

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Bruke Desalagne, 33, dragged his elderly victim behind a wall where he subjected him to a 20-minute rape ordeal outside a north London church. He has now been convicted

[Desalagne dragged the intoxicated man behind a fence at St John's Church, Harrow]

Desalagne dragged the intoxicated man behind a fence at St John's Church, Harrow(Image: Google Maps)

A man from Eritrea has been convicted of raping a pensioner outside a north London church. Bruke Desalagne, 33, pulled his victim behind a wall where he subjected him to a 20-minute ordeal.

Jurors at Harrow Crown Court took just two hours to find the East African man guilty of rape, and he will be sentenced later this year. The court heard how Desalagne dragged the inebriated man behind a fence outside St John's Church in Harrow before subjecting him to the assault.

The attack lasted for 20 minutes as traffic and pedestrians passed by oblivious, until a witness spotted the incident from her car window and promptly dialled the police.

[A witness spotted the attack and called the police]

A witness spotted the attack and called the police(Image: Reach)

The witness also managed to partially record the attack before handing footage over to the police. Officers hurried to the scene, and Desalagne was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape, reports the Express.

The 33-year-old, who required an interpreter throughout proceedings, claimed he was initially trying to assist the elderly victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, because he was intoxicated.

CCTV footage of the horrific attack showed how, every time a member of the public walked by, Desalagne would pause the attack.

Simon Shannon, prosecuting, said: "You can see the defendant dragging the heavily intoxicated victim from the bench where he was sitting, and dragged him to the grass area."

Bibi Ihuomah, defending, argued that there was no evidence that a rape had occurred, cautioning the jury against a "knee-jerk" reaction. Desalagne stayed completely still during the trial and maintained this composure as the jury announced their verdict.

Det Con Luke Revill of the Metropolitan Police said: "Bruke Desalagne is a dangerous offender who targeted a defenceless, vulnerable, elderly man.

"Thanks to members of the public alerting the police, he was arrested at the scene, charged the following day and remanded by the courts.

"We are committed to bringing sexual predators like Desalagne to justice. We would urge anyone who has been the victim of similar offending to get in touch with the police. You will be supported and listened to by officers."

If you have been affected by any themes in this story, you can call Rape Crisis for free 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222. You can also visit the website to start a free online chat.

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