A photographer who sexually assaulted a woman at his studio in central London may have targeted other victims, according to the police. Sritharan Sayanthan, a 42-year-old man, was found guilty of two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape at Hendon Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. The victim, a woman in her 30s, had gone to Sayanthan’s studio on Brompton Road in May 2022 and paid for a photoshoot. She later met him for a drink on 8 July 2022, believing it was part of a networking process after being contacted by him online.
Manipulation and Sexual Assault
The woman and Sayanthan met at a pub in Warren Street, where he encouraged her to consume alcohol. As a result, she quickly became intoxicated. Sayanthan then led her back to his studio, where she blacked out on the floor. In her partially conscious state, she was aware of Sayanthan sexually assaulting her but was unable to respond verbally or physically. The victim, who is of Chinese nationality, reported the assault to the police on 31 July 2022. She had initially delayed reporting the incident as she was unfamiliar with the process of investigating rape cases in the UK.
Discovery of CCTV Footage and Other Potential Victims
CCTV footage was discovered, which clearly showed the victim’s unsteady movements. This evidence, along with statements from studio staff, prompted the police to dig deeper into Sayanthan’s activities. Further investigation revealed that he owned several other photography businesses. Based on this information, the Metropolitan Police believe that there may be additional victims of Sayanthan’s crimes.
Encouragement for Other Victims to Come Forward
Detective Constable Sophie Baker has urged anyone who may have been victimized by Sayanthan to come forward and speak to the police. She emphasized that no piece of information is too small, and all potential victims will be listened to and supported. DC Baker commended the bravery of the victim who testified in court, noting her fantastic demeanor throughout the process. Describing the incident can be daunting for victims, but the victim’s detailed account, with the assistance of an interpreter, played a crucial role in securing the guilty verdict. DC Baker expressed personal pride in the victim’s bravery and thanked her for coming forward.
In summary, Sayanthan, a photographer based in central London, has been found guilty of rape and attempted rape. The police suspect that there may be other victims and are urging them to come forward. The conviction and sentencing of Sayanthan serve as an important step towards justice for the victim and potentially others who may have suffered similar experiences. The bravery and detailed testimony of the victim have been praised by the police, highlighting the importance of survivors sharing their stories.
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