An Edgware sex attacker has been convicted and jailed after Met officers linked him to a bank card used in a chicken shop.
was found guilty on Tuesday, 2 April at the Old Bailey of rape and sexual assault by penetration.
He was jailed for 11 years at the same court on Friday, 17 May.
The Met launched an investigation on 25 September 2023, after a woman reported being raped in Watling Avenue, Burnt Oak.
The victim had been sitting outside Burnt Oak Library on 24 September when Surugiu approached her and took her to Watling Park where he raped her.
CCTV footage linked Surugiu to the crime, showing him with the victim and visiting local shops. Financial transactions on his bank card further confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest on 26 September 2023.
Detective Constable Pat Leonte led the investigation. She said: “Having made rapid enquiries, I am pleased we were able to identify and arrest Surugiu so soon after this incident. Women in Edgware and Burnt Oak are safer without him on the streets.
“The victim in this case attended court to give evidence. She was nervous, but I am confident that my colleagues and I gave her every possible support, and I know she is content that she has seen justice done.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the two young men who called police and waited with her until officers arrived.”
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