Estate agent jailed for horrific attack on sex worker

A man has been jailed for four years for a brutal attack on a woman in her own home.

Parvez Patel, an estate agent, of Empress Avenue, Ilford, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent following a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The 34-year-old was sentenced at the same court on Monday. 

The attack took place late on the evening of January 29, when Patel booked a sex worker and arrived at her home in Westminster.

He then launched a brutal assault which left the victim – in her 40s – with severe injuries, including a broken nose, extensive bruising, swelling and cuts.

Patel was arrested at the scene after neighbours heard the woman’s screams and called police.

He was charged with attempted rape, sexual assault by penetration, making threats to kill, false imprisonment, voyeurism and GBH with intent on January 31, and remanded in custody awaiting trial.

He was convicted of GBH with intent and acquitted of the other charges.

Police Constable Preet Brar, the victim’s specialist support officer, said: “I commend the victim for her bravery and courage in reporting this brutal attack and remaining engaged with the police investigation throughout. 

“Her determination to give live evidence during the trial was crucial in securing the custodial sentence, which we welcome.”

Detective Constable Lloyd Leech, from the Met’s Central West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit, described the attack as “horrific”.

DC Leech said: “Patel inflicted significant injuries and it is thanks to the quick actions of the public, who alerted police, we were able to intervene.

“Sex workers are among the most vulnerable in society, and we want to ensure they are heard and supported. We encourage anyone who has experienced any form of violence to come forward.”

Pictured top: Parvez Patel, an estate agent, of Empress Avenue, Ilford, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent (Picture: The Met)