Romanian pair had been released from jail in France for same offence last year

Two brothers from Romania have been jailed for 12 years each for raping a woman in her home in North Acton.

30-year-old Ovidiu Mamaliga,) and 28-year-old Andrei Mamaliga, 28 both of no fixed abode, were sentenced on Friday, 1 December with a further eight years to be served on license. They had both been found guilty on Wednesday, 25 October of rape, sexual assault, attempted rape, actual bodily harm and theft. The pair had been released from prison in France in 2016 after being jailed for rape.

At around 7.30am on Wednesday, 10 May, the two brothers started a conversation with the victim - a woman in her forties - outside her home. They left her at that point, but returned later that morning and they chatted again. Upon going back into her home, one of the brothers followed her inside and asked if he could use the toilet. She declined, and she was then attacked. She was tied up with shoelaces the brothers had brought with them, undressed and raped. They then made off with cash, jewellery and mobile phones.

Andrei Mamaliga

The victim called police and the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command launched an investigation. The scene was examined for forensic evidence and the DNA profiles found matched the two brothers. CCTV footage was also obtained, showing the brothers near the scene at the relevant times. Mobile phone signals and Oyster card records also placed them in the area.

Both brothers were arrested in the Wembley area on Tuesday, 6 June. They were interviewed by police, and denied any involvement.

Ovidiu Mamaliga was charged on Wednesday, 7 June and Andrei Mamaliga was charged the following day with the offences above.

Detective Inspector Tim Desai, who led the investigation, said: "This was a horrific sex attack committed by two brothers who pose a huge danger to women and should be behind bars.

"The victim was friendly and welcoming when they engaged her in conversation, but she could have no clue as to their violent intentions.

"She has been left traumatised by what happened, and I praise her bravery in first reporting the attack and then coming face-to-face with her attackers and testifying against them to ensure their convictions.

"There may well be other victims of these two men who for whatever reason did not report the crime to police at the time. We would urge you to contact police - our specially trained officer will provide you with any support you need, and we will do everything we can to achieve justice for you."

Applications for them both to be deported at the end of the sentences have been made.

If you were a victim of the Mamaliga brothers or you would like to report a sexual offence, please contact police via 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

December 1, 2017