ANTONINO GIAGU

A 58-year-old man, Antonino Giagu of Fulham Palace Road, W6, has been sentenced to a prison term of seven years and two months after pleading guilty to charges including attempted rape, grievous bodily harm (section 20), and possession of a bladed article.

The incident occurred early on Monday, 28th February, when Giagu arrived at a Marylebone flat to meet a 22-year-old female sex worker.

Upon opening the door, he forced her onto a bed, brandished a knife, and demanded she engage in unprotected sex with him.

He also restrained her by placing his hands over her mouth to silence her screams.

Despite her fear, the victim managed to answer an incoming call on her phone and shouted for help.

A 41-year-old male friend responded quickly and arrived at the scene.

Giagu attempted to attack him with the knife multiple times, but was unsuccessful.

The friend was able to wrestle Giagu out of the flat and onto an outside staircase, where Giagu fled.

Police officers responded promptly to the scene, locating Giagu nearby.

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Giagu was formally charged on 17th March and was remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Lloyd Leech of the Westminster Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit led the investigation.

DC Leech emphasized the severity of the attack, stating, “This was a shocking assault on a vulnerable woman alone.

Giagu arriving armed with a knife indicates premeditation.

The bravery of both the victim and her friend prevented a potentially even worse outcome.

We recognize that sexual crimes against sex workers are often under-reported, and this case demonstrates our commitment to justice.

We encourage victims to come forward; they will be treated with respect, and trained officers are ready to assist.”