Seven year jail term for man who raped woman in her own home

A man who raped a woman in Croydon has been jailed.

Diego Dellarovere, 43, of Holland Road, west Kensington, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday to seven years’ imprisonment.

He was convicted of rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, January 19.

Officers launched an investigation after a woman came forward in May 2021 to report that she had been attacked by Dellarovere at a house in Croydon.

The women rented a room in the house. Dellarovere had booked to stay there on May 7, 2021 through an online booking site.

He had spent some of the evening out in Croydon, before returning home and sexually assaulting the woman, before raping her.

When officers went to Dellarovere’s house to arrest him, he was not there. He later handed himself in to Hammersmith police station.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation, said: “Dellarovere forced himself on this woman in her own home – somewhere she should have felt safe – and I have no doubt that she was terrified.

“I am pleased our investigation has resulted in him receiving a significant custodial sentence and I would like to praise the victim for the support she has shown the investigation. We do not underestimate the impact that would have had on her.”

Pictured top: Diego Dellarovere (Picture: The Met)