Lewisham man sexually assaulted woman after renting her room on Spareroom website

A man sexually assaulted a woman after renting a room to her on Spareroom.co.uk.

Francis Ezenwankwo, 34, of Lewisham, let a room in his house on Heston Street to a woman on Spareroom.co.uk, a flat-sharing website where people post adverts for rooms for temporary rent.

The woman was from outside of the UK.

During the night the woman awoke to find Ezenwankwo in her bed.

Despite her protests, Ezenwankwo remained in her bed and sexually assaulted her.

The incident took place on August 4, 2017.

It was reported to police on 22 August 2017 and Ezenwankwo was charged the same day.

Ezenwankwo was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment and a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on Friday, June 22, at Snaresbrook Crown Court. He was found guilty of assault by penetration at the same court on Thursday, 22 June.

Trainee Detective Constable Harriet Lyons, from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said: “The victim has shown real strength in coming forward and reporting to police. I encourage anyone else who may have been a victim to come forward and contact the police.

“Ezenwankwo’s sentence and Sexual Harm Prevention Order demonstrates how seriously the police and the courts taken this type of offending. I hope that it will act as a deterrent to others.”