Birmingham men admit luring homeless woman to hotel for sex attack

Jake Johnson and Matthew Bibb both pleaded guilty to sexual assault

Two men lured a homeless woman to a hotel with the promise of warmth and a hot drink but instead subjected to her a violent sexual assault, police said.

Jake Johnson, 26 and Matthew Bibb, 32, from Birmingham came across the victim after leaving their hotel in Hammersmith, London to buy alcohol.

Both men have been jailed for 11 years after pleading guilty to sexual assault.

Charity Centrepoint called it an "appalling" attack.

The two men were sentenced on Wednesday at Isleworth Crown Court.

Their victim, who had been sleeping rough, accepted their offer of shelter from cold and wet conditions, Metropolitan Police said.

Once back in the room of the Kings Street hotel, Johnson and Bibb subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault before throwing her out, during the early hours of 12 November, 2018.

Distressed, she fled and reported the incident to the hotel manager and friends, who were able to detain the attackers until police officers arrived.

The pair initially denied the victim had been in the hotel room or that they had assaulted her, the force said.

'Victim still suffering'

Following an investigation Johnson, of no fixed abode, and Bibb, of Slingfield Road, were each charged in June 2021.

They were also charged with one count of attempted rape which has been left on file.

The victim continues to suffer from the long-term effects of the "terrifying" ordeal, police have said.

Det Con Carrina Turner said: "I would like to commend the victim for her bravery and composure throughout this lengthy investigation."

'Vulnerable young women'

Charity Centrepoint, which works with young homeless people, said research suggested the "horrific" case was not an isolated incident of sexual or physical assault.

"This is an appalling attack that underlines how vulnerable young people, and in particular young women, are when they are forced to sleep rough," said Alicia Walker, head of policy, research and campaigns.

She said calls to their helpline had been rising "considerably" over the last few months, "meaning even more people are facing similar situations than were at the time of this attack".

Charity Centrepoint said research suggests it was not an isolated case

Kiran Ramchandani, director of policy and external affairs at the charity Crisis, said: "There really are no words to describe the horror and inhumanity this woman was subjected to, and it pains me to say it could have been avoided if she had somewhere safe to sleep at night".

She added action taken during the coronavirus pandemic showed it was "entirely possible" to make sure rough sleepers had a safe place to stay.

"Now, urgent action is needed - and it must include investing in housing benefit to tackle the affordability crisis which is pushing more and more people onto the streets."

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