Nigerian man jailed in the UK for sexually assaulting woman who rented room from him

A 34-year-old Nigerian man has been jailed for sexually assaulting a woman who rented a room from him online.

Francis Ezenwankwo of Heston Street, SE14 was sentenced to six years imprisonment and a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on Friday, 22 June at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was found guilty of assault by penetration at the same court on Thursday, 22 June.

The court heard that on 5 August 2017 a woman visiting from another country rented a room at Ezenwankwo’s house via an online site, spareroom.co.uk.

During the night the woman awoke to find Ezenwankwo in her bed. Despite her protests, Ezenwankwo remained in her bed and sexually assaulted her.

The incident was reported to police and Ezenwankwo was arrested on 22 August 2017 - he was charged the same day.

The Sexual Harm Prevention Order prevents Ezenwankwo from offering any room for rent, reward or as a gift for five years.

Trainee Detective Constable Harriet Lyons, from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said:

“The victim has shown real strength in coming forward and reporting to police. I encourage anyone else who may have been a victim to come forward and contact the police. Ezenwankwo's sentence and Sexual Harm Prevention Order demonstrates how seriously the police and the courts taken this type of offending. I hope that it will act as a deterrent to others.”