A MAN who raped a woman in a Hillingdon street has was sentenced to nine years in prison at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday.

Abdul Bah, 32, of Hercies Road, Hillingdon, had earlier been found guilty after a four-day trial.

The court heard how, in July last year at about 1am, the victim, who was in her late 30s, was walking home along a road in Hillingdon.

Bah approached her from behind, pushed her to the floor and then raped her.

He ran off after the assault, leaving the victim in a highly distressed state.

People in nearby houses could hear the victim crying loudly and police were called.

Despite the trauma, she was able to give a description of her attacker to police, who arrested him the next day.

Bah admitted being in the area but denied the offence. He was linked to the crime by DNA.

On the first day of the trial, Bah made the decision to dismiss the legal counsel representing him and chose to defend himself. This meant the victim had to give evidence about her traumatic ordeal.

Det Con Jordan McGowan said: "Bah selected a complete stranger to carry out a brutal attack. The victim was a lone female who was walking home.

“Thankfully, with the her help and some good work by local officers, Bah was quickly arrested.”