Gagandeep Singh (Photo/X)
An Indian-origin man, Gagandeep Singh, has been sentenced to 34 years in prison in the UK after being found guilty of kidnapping, torturing and raping a woman in London.The 34-year-old was found guilty in February of two counts of rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment and causing grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial at Isleworth Crown Court. He was sentenced on Friday and will serve 28 years in prison followed by an extended license period of six years under strict restrictions. He can only be considered for parole after he has served at least 18 years of his detention and will be deported after completing his sentence.According to the Metropolitan Police, the case began in June 2024 when a 24-year-old woman became suspicious after she was asked to carry a bag containing unknown items from Thailand to the UK. After she refused, masked men allegedly forced her into a car upon arrival at Birmingham Airport and took her to a house in Hanwell, west London.The court heard that she was tortured for long periods and raped twice by Singh. The abuse continued for more than a day and included punching, beating, stripping, flogging and burning before she was eventually released and warned not to tell anyone.Investigators said the woman was initially reluctant to reveal the full extent of the abuse because of the trauma she had experienced and fears for her safety.
However, with the support of her mother and specialist police officers, she later gave a full account of what happened.Detective Constable Sitara Abdul, who led the investigation, praised the victim for her courage in seeking justice.“The brutality of what the victim in this case faced is unimaginable. She has shown tremendous courage in coming forward and helping us ensure her attacker is brought to justice. The harsh level of control left her fearing for her life,” Abdul said.She added: “Threats were made to try to silence her, but the support of her mother and the diligent care shown by the officers investigating her case meant that we were able to arrest and charge a very dangerous person.”Abdul said the victim’s determination throughout the investigation and trial was remarkable.“We want to thank her for that trust and for the patience, courage and determination she has shown throughout this investigation and the trial that has followed.
She said her courage in the face of such horrific crimes is a testament to her amazing strength and resilience.The main breakthrough in the case came after the victim’s mother kept the clothes her daughter was wearing at the time of the attack. A forensic examination later revealed a DNA match linking Singh to the crimes.In a statement issued by police, the victim said she was initially afraid to contact the authorities.“I never wanted to call the police. It was stressful. It left me thinking that if I did that, I might be putting myself and the people around me in danger,” she said.She credited her mother with encouraging her to seek justice.“My mother was the one who never gave up. She thought going to the police was the right thing to do. She kept my clothes as evidence and kept all my doctor’s notes. She said she couldn’t rest knowing they could do this to other people,” the victim said.Reflecting on her experience, she added: “To anyone who has experienced sexual or other abuse, please remember this: We are not the ones who should carry the shame. We survive and go on to live again.”The victim’s mother also praised the Metropolitan Police for continuing the investigation despite her daughter’s initial reluctance to come forward.“When I contacted the Metropolitan Police, they responded professionally and sensitively and assured me that I could also report this as a third party,” she said.She added: “As a family, we are grateful for all the support provided. Their actions have given us a sense of closure, and we are reassured that a dangerous person has now been removed from the streets.”
