Teenager jailed for four years for string of sex attacks around Hackney Marshes

Zyroam Allen. Photograph: Met Police

An 18-year-old man who raped a woman and sexually assaulted seven others around Hackney Marshes last summer has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Zyroam Allen pleaded guilty last week to a total of 10 offences, including one of indecent exposure on Elderfield Road in Lower Clapton.

The teenager was arrested on 22 June 2022 after breaching bail for an unrelated offence, and six of the victims positively identified him.

Forensic tests then linked him to another offence.

One of the victims said: “I no longer run along the canal as I do not feel safe. I won’t even go for a walk if I am by myself as I find it too stressful.

“It makes me really angry that I can’t enjoy the area I live in now. This person has taken that away from me and I do not think I will ever get this back.”

She praised the police investigation, adding: “I feel like I’ve been kept in the loop and this has given people in the community a more positive feeling about the police.”

Allen, on a bicycle, approached women who were walking or jogging in broad daylight and grabbed their buttocks from behind, or touched their genitals or breasts, and often made inappropriate comments before riding off.

He raped one of the women, leaving her scared for her life, and exposed himself to another at her place of work.

After detectives established a predator was operating in the area, proactive policing patrols were increased.

Officers also released an e-fit, prompting multiple women to come forward to report similar crimes.

Detective Constable Kate Robins of CID Central East said: “I’d like to praise the strength and bravery of all the women who reported these crimes to the police.

“We took every single report extremely seriously, which led to the offences being linked.

“The dedication of the many officers who worked on the case is a credit to the Met. Without this collective effort we would not have achieved justice for the victims.

“I understand the perpetrator has expressed remorse for his actions and I hope he will get the rehabilitation he clearly needs.

“Every woman has the right to go about her life without the fear of being sexually assaulted.

“The Met is more focused than ever in targeting those who harm women and girls and other vulnerable members of society.”