Life for horror attack on woman in Hackney

A MAN HAS been sentenced to life imprisonment for attacking a woman in Rectory Road, Hackney. He is Sabir Sharife, 32, who is of no fixed abode but from the Hackney area. The Judge ordered that he should serve a minimum of 13 years in prison.

Sharife was found guilty at the Old Bailey last October of attempted murder, sexual assault and possession of a pointed or bladed article. He recently returned to the Court for sentencing.

Speaking before the sentence was announced, police officers from the Metropolitan Police Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command were full of praise for the victim, who had bravely reported a serious attack to the police, assisted them as they investigated the case and who also attended court.

Police also stressed that Sharife was a dangerous individual and they worried that he may have attacked other women.

•If you have been a victim of Sharife or any other predator, ring the police via 101 or, in an emergency, ring 999. You can also report information on possible suspects to the police via 101 or, alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

•Read the full story about this case:
Hackney man guilty of attempted murder

•Read more crime stories:
Bow sex offender jailed: but are there more victims?
Man gets jail for Isle of Dogs knife attack

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