Three men who took turns raping woman in ‘atrocious’ town centre attack jailed

'This was an atrocious attack on a young woman'

The trio, Miguel Clino and Devon Cato, both 20, and Nizandro Caimanque, 21, were sentenced this week to between seven and eight years in jail after being convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The Met said the men were arrested within an hour of the attack, and charged within 48 hours, after a security guard saw the offence taking place while monitoring CCTV and called police.

The victim was approached by the men around 6am on 10 July, 2022, in Barking town centre, before being "coaxed down a nearby alleyway where they took it in turns to rape her", the Met said.

The woman had no recollection of the attack.

Officers were instantly deployed to the location and were provided with "updates" by the security guard. The men were arrested nearby and the woman was helped and supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Sergeant Harry Nunez from the East Area Serious Sexual Offences Team said: “This was an atrocious attack on a young woman who was targeted and subjected to sustained, serious sexual violence.

“I would like to recognise the victim’s bravery who has supported this investigation throughout.

“The actions taken early on in the investigation by police to secure key evidence such as forensics and CCTV were also key in building a conclusive case against the evil men responsible for this horrendous and sickening crime.”

Officers secured the CCTV footage from the venue the security guard worked at, along with other CCTV that captured events leading up to, and after, the incident.

Forensic results were prioritised and returned with positive results for all of the defendants to secure the criminal charges "so quickly", the Met said.

Detective Constable Ben Wallen, who led the investigation, said: “The result of this case would not have been possible without the incredible efforts made by officers attending the scene and assistance from my colleagues in the Serious Sexual Offences team.

"I hope this result will reassure anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence that the police will fully support you and work hard to ensure those responsible will be caught and put before the courts.”

Clino was jailed for eight years. Cato, seven, and Caimanque, seven years and six months.

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