Home / Crime and Justice / Palace Predator Freed for a Year, Judge Slams Police Laxity
Palace Predator Freed for a Year, Judge Slams Police Laxity
10 Jul
Summary
- An attempted rape near Buckingham Palace was met with police leniency.
- A judge criticized police for releasing the attacker for a year.
- Three soldiers intervened, saving the victim from the assault.
A judge has expressed dismay over police handling of an attempted rape case near Buckingham Palace. Ramzi Barkat, 54, was found to have stalked and attacked a lone woman in the early hours of September 7, 2024. Despite being apprehended in the act, he was reportedly released on bail or under investigation for a full year.
His Honour Judge Justin Cole described Barkat's actions as those of a 'predator' seeking to exploit a vulnerable individual. The judge criticized the police for a 'catalogue of incompetencies,' stating the public would be 'appalled' by such leniency. The attempted assault was halted by three passing soldiers who heard the victim's cries.
Barkat was ultimately convicted of attempted rape and assaulting one of the intervening soldiers. He received a seven-year and three-month prison sentence, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and a 10-year restraining order. The judge intends to nominate the brave soldiers for bravery awards.
