An East London estate agent who carried out a vicious and calculated assault on a sex worker, leaving her with severe injuries, has been sentenced to four years in prison for the "horrific" attack.
Parvez Patel, 34, brutally attacked the woman in her home in Westminster, central London, on the evening of January 31, leaving her with a broken nose, deep cuts, extensive bruising, and swelling. The victim, a woman in her 40s, was subjected to a sustained and violent assault, demonstrating Patel's complete disregard for her humanity and safety.
The victim’s desperate screams for help were heard by neighbours, who acted swiftly by calling the police. Officers arrested Patel, a director at Keller Stones estate agents in Ilford, at the scene.
After a three-week trial at Southwark Crown Court, Patel was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent, a charge that underscores the deliberate and malicious nature of the attack.
Detective Constable Lloyd Leech, from the Metropolitan Police’s Central West rape and serious sexual offences unit, described the crime as "horrific" and emphasized the victim's vulnerability. "The victim suffered a brutal attack in her own home, a place where she should have felt safe," he stated.
Leech praised the community's quick response, which allowed the police to intervene promptly. "Sex workers are among the most vulnerable in society. We are committed to ensuring their voices are heard, their safety is prioritized, and that justice is served against those who commit acts of violence against them."
PC Preet Brar, the victim’s specialist support officer, commended the woman's extraordinary bravery in facing her attacker in court. "Her courage to report this heinous crime and give live evidence was critical to securing this conviction," Brar said.
While Patel was acquitted of other charges, including attempted rape and making threats to kill, the severity of the assault highlights the grave danger he posed. This case underscores the police's determination to support victims and pursue justice for even the most marginalized members of society.
This sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the critical need to stand against such abhorrent crimes.