Woman raped after two men follow her home and break in - but leave crucial evidence

Adhamon Mebrahtu and Jamie Osman, both 23, followed a woman to her home in Croydon, south London, and then subjected her to a terrifying sexual attack inside the property

Two men have been jailed after forcing their way into a woman’s home and subjecting her to a vicious sexual attack.

Adhamon Mebrahtu and Jamie Osman, both 23, from south London, followed their victim home after meeting her on a tram. When she arrived at her home in Croydon they barged their way into the property, a court heard.

They both proceeded to sexually assault her while Mebrahtu also raped her and stole her phone. The victim later reported the attack to the police.

Detectives managed to match Mebrahtu and Osman's DNA to stubbed out cigarettes in the victim's bedroom which was vital to their identification. Mebrahtu was also forensically linked to the victim after a detailed forensic analysis was carried out by staff in the Met Police.

The attackers denied any interaction with the woman when interviewed but detectives analysed hours' worth of CCTV to disprove their lies. Meanwhile, the victim was supported throughout the investigation and trial by specialist Met officers.

Mebrahtu was sentenced to five years in prison at Croydon Crown Court on April 25, he had previously been found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration on February 12. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of the victim-survivor's phone at a previous hearing.

Osman was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to three years in prison on November 20 following a retrial which took place in September 2024. He was convicted by a jury of sexual assault by penetration.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, who led the investigation, said: "I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim-survivor who has shown great courage and resilience throughout this difficult process.

"I'm proud we have been able to bring these dangerous offenders to justice and make London safer as a result. I hope they spend their time in jail to reflect on the devastating consequences of their abhorrent actions. Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in the city they call home and we're committed to continuing our mission to protect our communities from harm, eradicating sexual violence caused largely at the hands of predatory men."