OLAWALE HASSAN FROM GRAYS CONVICTED OF RAPE IN SOUTHEND

In a high-profile case that has captured significant public attention, Olawale Hassan, known by his stage name "Goldie 1," has been found guilty of serious sexual offenses in Southend. The conviction follows a detailed trial where the jury unanimously agreed on his guilt after careful deliberation.

Hassan, a 33-year-old resident of Falcone Avenue in Grays, faced multiple charges related to his conduct on the night of February 25, 2017. The charges included three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The incident in question took place outside Genting Casino in Southend, where Hassan was accused of engaging in non-consensual sexual acts with a woman.

Throughout the trial, Hassan maintained his innocence, denying the allegations and asserting that the sexual contact was consensual. His defense argued that the woman, with whom he had spent time at various night venues around Southend that evening, was willing and happy to be in his company. They suggested that any sexual contact was mutually agreed upon, attempting to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.

However, the jury was not convinced by Hassan’s account. They were called to deliberate at 10 am and, by 1 pm, returned with a verdict of guilty on all counts. The victim, who had previously given evidence in court, testified that she was simply dancing with Hassan and had no intention or interest in engaging in sexual activity with him. Her testimony was a key element in the jury’s decision.

The court proceedings revealed that Hassan had spent the evening at Varsity Night Club, where he met the woman and her friend. The night involved visits to multiple venues, with Hassan reportedly buying rounds of drinks for the group. The prosecution argued that Hassan’s behavior indicated he was actively seeking a woman for sexual purposes from the outset of the night.

In contrast, Hassan claimed that his sole intention was to relax and unwind because he was feeling stressed. He insisted that he did not commit any sexual assault or rape. Despite his assertions, the prosecution, led by Katherine Davey, described Hassan as a “fantasist, a liar and a rapist,” urging the jury to deliver a guilty verdict based on the evidence presented.

Following the jury’s decision, Hassan was remanded into custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at the same court on October 6. The maximum penalty for the offense of rape is 15 years in prison, and the court will determine the appropriate sentence based on the circumstances of the case.