Monday 30 August 2010

Techie Geek Caged For Nightclub Rape Bid


A balding video games geek – employed by industry giants Sega – is starting a two-and-a-half year prison sentence after trying to rape a woman outside a landmark West End nightspot.

Dean Powell, 33, of Gews Corner, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, who tested games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, was attending a Christmas party when he pounced on the woman after promising to take care of her.

Powell (pictured) pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to attempting to rape the 34 year-old victim and sexually assaulting her outside the Hard Rock Café on December 18, last year.

He was placed on the sex offender’ register for ten years.

A doorman outside the club spotted Powell trying to have sex at 2am with the reluctant woman, took three pictures with his mobile phone for evidence and heard her say: “I don’t want to do that.”

The victim told police she encountered Powell by the club’s cloakroom and thought she could trust him to escort her home safely after he assured her: “I will look after you.”

Staff called police and Powell was arrested.

Detective Constable James Emeny, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police’s Sapphire Unit, said: “Thanks to the intervention of witnesses to this crime, this man has been brought to justice.

“I would like to thank staff at the Hard Rock café who played a vital role in assisting this investigation.

“This sentencing is a message to those who commit these crimes that these will be dealt with robustly.”

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