Life sentence for brutal rapist

Abdi arrived in Britain in 1997 from war torn Somalia

A man with convictions for violent crimes has been jailed for life for repeatedly raping a woman he dragged off the street.

Fuelled by drink and drugs, Hassan Abdi forced the woman off the street in Southwark, south-east London into a nearby tower block.

Forensic evidence tied Abdi to the crime, Inner London Crown Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of rape and given six concurrent life sentences after January's attack.

He also pleaded guilty to one count of robbery.

Brutal attack

Det Con Lawrence Morrow, the officer in charge of the case, said: "I'm absolutely delighted with this sentence.

"Without a shadow of a doubt it was clearly the most brutal stranger attack that I have ever investigated."

The 24-year-old woman was struck about the head several times, before being pushed to the floor and kicked.

After the ordeal, Abdi stole the woman's mobile phone and £20 in cash.

Judge Jonathan van der Werff said: "At the time you were under the influence of drink and drugs and were prepared to pursue whatever repulsive action to satisfy your sexual desires.

"It is as bad a case as could be imagined."

Reformed character

The court heard judge noted that Abdi, who has convictions for violent offences, escaped deportation after telling the Home Office he was a reformed character.

There was an indecent assault conviction in 2000 after he attacked a girl in a phone box.

Judge van der Werff recommended Abdi's deportation at the end of his sentence.

It will be at least five years before he can go apply for parole.