‘Predator’ caught ‘red-handed’ trying to rape woman near Buckingham Palace let go by police
A “predator” who tried to rape a woman near Buckingham Palace was released by police for a year “despite being caught red-handed”, a judge said.
Ramzi Barkat, 54, followed the lone woman outside St James’s Park in the early hours of September 7, 2024.
After his attempts to flirt with her were rejected, he tackled her to the ground, grabbed her wrists and “straddled her”, Judge Justin Cole said.
The judge said Algerian-born Barkat “tried to take advantage of a lonely and defenseless woman” and “behaved like a predator.”
Three “brave” young soldiers who were passing by stopped the attempted attack when they heard the woman’s screams, Southwark Crown Court heard.
But the judge, who sentenced Barkat to seven years and three months in prison on Friday, said police investigating the matter showed a “catalog of incompetence”.
He told the court that after the complainant’s statement was taken, Barkat was released either on bail or under investigation.
‘The danger to the public continues’
The judge said: “Obviously he was caught red-handed and was released in a situation where he posed a constant danger to the public.”
He added: “As a result this man was left free to do whatever he wanted for a year, a year, in a situation where he attacked a lone woman in the park.
“The public would be appalled to hear of such laxity.”
Barkat was convicted of attempted rape and assaulting one of the soldiers who intervened.
The court dismissed both charges, saying the defendant was only trying to steal the woman’s phone.
A 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year restraining order were made against the defendant, who lives in Mildmay Road, north London.
The judge said he would nominate the young soldiers for the High Sheriff’s Bravery Awards.
