A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after sexually assaulting a woman in Croydon.

Diego Dellarovere, 43, of Holland Road, W14, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (March 15) to seven years' imprisonment.

Officers from Metropolitan Police launched an investigation after a woman came forward in May 2021 reporting that she had been attacked by Dellarovere at a house in Croydon.

The woman had rented a room at the house where Dellarovere had booked to stay on May 7 online.

After spending the evening in Croydon he returned home where he sexually assaulted the woman before raping her.

Police located Dellarovere through intelligence which linked him to the property.

Enquiries were carried out at Dellarovere’s house to arrest him, however he was not found.

Dellarovere later handed himself in to Hammersmith Police Station.

He was convicted of rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault at Croydon Crown Court on January 19.

Detective Constable Natalie Alchin, who led the investigation, said: "Dellarovere forced himself on this woman in her own home. Somewhere she should have felt safe and I have no doubt that she terrified.

"I am pleased our investigation has resulted in him receiving a significant custodial sentence and I would like to praise the victim for the support she has shown the investigation.

“We do not underestimate the impact that would have had on her.

"The Met continue to be committed to tackling violence against women and girls and I hope the outcome of this investigation gives other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us."