A man has been jailed for nine years after he attempted to rape a woman in Teddington.

Khoshaal Ghafoori, 33 of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, May 24, having been found guilty at the same court in March.

The court heard that at approximately 1.30am on October 11 the victim, a 19-year-old woman, was approached by Ghafoori after getting off a route 281 bus outside Teddington Memorial Hospital.

He engaged her in conversation before attempting to kiss her without her consent. The victim pulled away and walked down a side path; she was followed by Ghafoori who then attacked her and attempted to rape her.

The victim fought back and was able to escape. Ghafoori then fled the scene.

The victim ran to a member of the public, who alerted police.

Officers attended and a crime scene was established.

Detectives from the South West Command Unit launched an investigation.

Ghafoori was identified by officers arrested in the street in west London on suspicion of attempted rape and common assault on October 27 and charged the next day.

Detective Inspector Simon Dowling, of the South West Command Unit, led the investigation. He said: "Ghafoori subjected this young woman to a horrific and cowardly attack. She was alone late at night and he launched an unprovoked assault that she was thankfully able to escape from thanks to her quick action, but it has left her no less traumatised.

“I would like to thank all of my officers for their work in apprehending Ghafoori. Their work has resulted in a dangerous man being taken off the streets.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank the victim, whose bravery and courage in supporting in our investigation, led to Ghafoori’s conviction. I hope the sentence he has received today will allow her to feel justice has been done and that she can now move on with her life.”