A South London nurse has been jailed for 16 years after he lured a woman back to his home and raped her. The victim, aged in her 40s, said the attack on June 8, 2022, ‘has had a devastating impact on every part of her life’.
John Iwuh was sentenced for his crimes at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, July 11. The 54-year-old, of Albert Road in South Norwood, will also be put on the sex offenders register for life.
A trial which concluded at the same court heard how he used his job as a nurse to gain the trust of the victim on a dating app before luring her to his home and raping her.
Iwuh met the victim online and they arranged a date to meet in person the next day at Norwood Junction station. Iwuh then encouraged the victim to come back to his house by deceiving her into thinking he had a work shift shortly afterwards.
Once inside the property, Iwuh repeatedly kept trying to kiss the victim, which she refused. As she tried to leave the property, Iwuh forced her into his bedroom and raped her. The victim reported Iwuh the same evening to The Met using the online form and received support from specialist officers throughout the investigation.
‘It’s left me emotionally numb’
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “This has had a devastating impact on every part of my life. Not only was I physically injured but it left me feeling emotionally numb and living in fear. The trauma from this affected my ability to work, relationships, and my health.
“Now he’s in prison, I do feel there has been some justice. I’ve been supported by officers throughout the investigation, and I would encourage others who have been harmed to come forward, report what has happened and get help and support.”
Appeal for other potential victims
Metropolitan Police detectives who were investigating the case are keen for any other potential victims to come forward. Police found 11,000 contacts in his phone, with 60 per cent of which were saved as a woman’s name alongside the name of a dating app.
Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, from the South Area Command Unit, said: “I would like to commend the strength of the victim-survivor who bravely reported this awful attack and for her strength throughout this investigation. Officers were dedicated in bringing this predator to justice and during the investigation, found that Iwuh had videoed the rape which was then used as evidence against him.
“We believe there may be more victims out there, targeted by Iwuh under the same circumstances, and urge them to contact us or their local police force. I hope the victim-survivor can find reassurance in our actions to put this predator behind bars and that it may give more women the strength to come forward and report crimes. You will be listened to and supported.”
If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Iwuh, you can contact police via 101 or online.
If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek support from specialist agencies, please contact the independent charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer emotional support.
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