East London News A Force for the community…
IT WAS life imprisonment for Aman Vyas, 36, sentenced at last for a series of assaults and rapes and, finally, murder. It took a painstaking police operation that went on for over a decade to bring him to justice.
Vyas was found guilty of a series of crimes at a hearing at the Old Bailey which ended on 30th July. Last month he appeared at Croydon Crown Court for sentencing: the life sentence for murder was handed down with a recommendation that he serve a minimum of 37 years. Taking into account the time he has spent in custody already, that’s just under 35 years to go.
Vyas received further prison sentences for additional crimes, namely:
•for grievous bodily harm with intent, 14 years;
•for the rape of a woman, 16 years and five months;
•for the rape of a second woman, 18-and-a-half years;
•for the rape of a third woman, 18-and-a-half years;
•for the rape of a fourth woman, whom he went on to murder, 18-and-a-half years.
These sentences will run concurrently with the life sentence.
Vyas had committed the crimes between March and May 2009 – and then fled the country. The Metropolitan Police conducted a detailed and thorough investigation which identified him and eventually located him. The Force then had to take out extradition proceedings.
Speaking after the sentence was handed down, tshe case officer, Detective Sergeant Shaleena Sheikh, said, “We are pleased with today’s sentence which reflects the gravity of Vyas’s crimes. At last the victims and their families have seen the man responsible for such terrible crimes brought to justice. This is a long sentence that recognises the cruelty and depravity of Vyas’s actions.
“Vyas carried out horrific and violent attacks on three women which, tragically, culminated in the murder of Michelle Samaraweera. He then did all he could to evade responsibility for his crimes and fled to India. He added further distress to those he hurt by subjecting them to a trial. I would like to commend the dignity and bravery shown by his victims and their families throughout this process, which has lasted more than ten years. […]
“The Met has worked tirelessly to bring this case to court. We would like to thank the public for assisting us with our enquiries and all those who voluntarily gave DNA samples. […] Vyas preyed on women and his crimes were of a brutal nature. We hope today brings at least some peace to the victims and their families. The Met will always support victims of sexual assault or violent crime and this case show our determination in bringing those responsible to justice.“
Ann, the sister of murder victim Michelle Samaraweera, said, “Aman Vyas has had over 11 years to come clean and admit to raping and murdering my sister, and even longer to admit to all the other heinous crimes committed against all the other innocent victims. He has also had all this time to reflect on his own life and address the issues that have turned him into the monster that he is but he didn’t. Instead he has lied and fabricated stories for his own benefit. He will never understand what he put my mother, sisters, children, loved ones, friends and myself through.
“Michelle was always so thoughtful when it came to buying gifts for anyone, my daughter still has the beautiful blanket she gave her and she has slept with it every day up until now. One week before my daughter’s first birthday, I stayed up all night making colourful paper chains for her upcoming birthday party, only to wake up the next day to find out that my baby sister had been found dead in a children’s playground. Vyas has no idea what impact this has had on mine and my children’s lives.
“I hope one day Vyas finds it in his heart to confess and truly be sorry for the pain inflicted on the innocent women he violated. They are the ones that are serving life sentences. Vyas potentially spending the rest of his life in prison is not a punishment but a privilege, it will never be enough.”
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