Man Found Guilty of Attempting to Rape Woman in Colliers Wood


Followed victim from night tube and dragged her into park

Khaled Argoub of Garratt Terrace, SW17
Khaled Argoub of Garratt Terrace, SW17

A 20-year-old man from Tooting has been convicted of seven offences including attempted rape and sexual assault relating to an attack that took place in Colliers Wood last year.

The jury at Kingston Crown took just two hours to find Khaled Argoub of Garratt Terrace, SW17, guilty of the charges.

His victim, who is in her twenties, was travelling on the night tube heading home after an evening out with friends. She exited at Colliers Wood station at around 3.30am and Argoub followed her running after her and then dragging her into the nearby Wandle Park.

He put his arm around her neck, choking her, before attempting to rape her twice. He also sexually assaulted her.

The victim eventually managed to escape and ran to a nearby block of flats pleading for help. Officers were called and arrived within five minutes.

She was taken to hospital where she had significant cuts and scratches to her body and reddening to her neck. Her voice was hoarse from the strangulation, resulting in her struggling to speak.

A number of officers were involved in the immediate area search for the suspect, with the assistance of a helicopter and specialist dog unit, however there was no trace of the defendant but a detailed search of the crime scene resulted in officers recovering a baseball cap with a ‘B’ logo on the front.

A trawl of CCTV by officers the Met’s South West Safeguarding Team identified a male fitting Argoub’s description following the victim and filming her as she exited the tube station. He was wearing the same cap as had been earlier found at the scene.

Forensic trace evidence from the victim also matched the DNA profile of Argoub.

He was arrested at 12.45am on 24 August, 2019 and charged later the same day.

Detective Inspector Rachael Samuel, the senior investigating officer, said, “I would like to praise the bravery of the victim. She has been through an horrific ordeal, but has shown a strength of character and a commitment to assist police with this investigation, which highlights her exceptional courage. I would also like to thank the victim’s family, for their support throughout the investigation.

“I would also like to thank Detective Constable Faye Castleman and the investigation team who have worked tirelessly to bring this suspect to justice. I would encourage all victims of sexual violence to contact police, so that we may continue our vital work in ensuring that offenders of such abhorrent crimes are brought to justice”.

Argoub will be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 31 March.

Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence is urged to contact police. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

February 24, 2020