A man described as a "predatory offender" has been convicted and jailed for the rape of a woman in Hackney.

Kevin Lloyd Williams, 45, of Hackney, was found guilty of two counts of rape at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday (February 20). He was jailed for 10 years on the same day.

The court heard that Williams cornered his victim in an alleyway near Rossington Street on May 1, 2022.

He then smoked a drug pipe, struck her across the face and forced her to have sex with him, before asking her for money.

The attack took place in the early hours of the morning after the victim had gone to a supermarket in Upper Clapton Road.

While inside the store she ran into Williams, who she knew.

They bought drinks in the store and left intending to drink them together.

But Williams then made an advance on his victim and, when re-buffed, blocked her exit from the alleyway before raping her.

After being asked for money and looking for a way to escape, the woman said she would withdraw cash from an ATM at a local shop.

Inside the shop she asked for help, but staff were reluctant to call police. The victim then returned home and contacted police.

Det Sgt Else Dierick, of the Met’s Central East Command, said: “Kevin Williams is a predatory offender. The victim had simply gone to buy some groceries and a casual chat with someone she knew should not have resulted in her being terrorised into having sex.

"The victim has shown incredible strength reporting this matter to police and seeing it through to trial, ensuring her attacker is convicted. I am also grateful to two members of the public who overheard the crime being committed and came forward to support the prosecution by giving evidence in court.

“It is a priority for police to apprehend those who pose a danger to women and girls and while there are men like Williams, who commit offences against them, we will not be deterred from that objective."

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Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault is encouraged to report the incident to police without delay. Support can be provided and any medical treatment required can be arranged, the Met said.

Call 101 to report a crime that happened previously. If the suspect is still on scene or if you are in any danger at all please dial 999.