RAMI OTHMANE'S CRIMES IN HACKNEY AND SICILY LEAD TO FOUR-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE

In a case that has drawn significant attention from local authorities and the community, Rami Othmane, a 21-year-old man originally from Sicily, Italy, but residing in Hackney at the time of the incident, has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempted rape. The sentencing took place at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 6 May, following a guilty plea entered by Othmane on 25 February.

The incident in question occurred early in the morning on Wednesday, 22 January, at approximately 4:00 AM. A CCTV control room operator, monitoring footage from the area, happened to witness Othmane attempting to force himself onto a woman at a bus stop located on Allerton Road in Hackney. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the CCTV operator immediately alerted police authorities, who responded swiftly to the scene.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim at the scene but found that Othmane had already left the area. The woman, understandably distressed, chose not to file a formal police report. Nevertheless, given the gravity of the attempted assault, law enforcement officials proceeded with an investigation to identify and apprehend the suspect.

Using CCTV footage, officers tracked Othmane’s movements across Hackney, which eventually led them to his residence. Over the following days, police visited several nearby addresses, seeking information about the suspect. On 30 January, a resident provided a crucial lead, directing officers to Othmane’s home. When officers arrived that same day, they engaged in a conversation with him and immediately recognized the coat he was wearing in the CCTV footage from the night of the incident.

Othmane was subsequently arrested and formally charged with attempted rape on 31 January. The investigation was led by Detective Constable Dave Barrett, who expressed gratitude for the vigilance of the CCTV operator. Barrett emphasized the importance of quick police response, stating, “It is with huge thanks to the diligent CCTV operator who spotted this alarming incident and immediately called police, allowing the officers to act quickly and locate the victim and ultimately put this man behind bars.”

He further acknowledged the victim’s decision not to pursue a formal report, but assured that law enforcement took the incident very seriously. “We fully respect the victim’s decision not to make a report but we hope today’s outcome proves that we took this incident, like all sexual offences, extremely seriously and will work tirelessly to trace those who think they can commit atrocious crimes such as this,” Barrett added.

Othmane’s actions and subsequent arrest highlight the ongoing efforts by police in Hackney and beyond to combat sexual violence and bring offenders to justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of CCTV surveillance and swift law enforcement intervention in addressing serious crimes, especially those that threaten the safety and well-being of community members.