Man Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Woman While She Slept

Darrel Phillips, 44, was found guilty of assault by penetration at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, July 14, 2023, after a five-day trial. He was sentenced on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, to an indefinite restraining order against the victim and was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The incident occurred on July 12, 2020, when Phillips, from Saffron Walden, Essex, travelled to the victim's house in Tower Hamlets to stay the night in her spare room. In the early hours, Phillips attempted to have sex with the woman while she was asleep, but she rejected his advances.

The woman woke up in pain the next morning and realized that her clothing had been removed from the waist down. She also recalled a memory of Phillips in her bed and pushing him away, saying 'no'.

The woman reported the incident to the police, and detectives from the Central East Command Unit began investigating. Phillips was arrested, but he declined to answer questions and denied all allegations.

Detective Sergeant Michael Dixon from the Central East Safeguarding Team commended the victim-survivor for her courage in reporting the crime and fighting for justice. He also urged anyone who has been subjected to a sexual offence to get in touch with the police.

Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques Officer (SOIT) Thomas Coe from the Central East Safeguarding team stressed the importance of reporting sexual offences immediately so that vital forensic evidence can be gathered. He emphasized the police's commitment to fully investigating these crimes.