Man jailed for rape in Romford after police swiftly intervene and build case against him

A man has been jailed after he met a woman in Romford, became physically violent towards her and raped her in her home. Sam Price prevented the woman from leaving her house during a sustained period of intimidation and abuse which took place over a week.

Price, 25 (05.05.99) of Central Park Avenue, Dagenham appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 5 July where he was sentenced to ten and a half years' imprisonment for rape, and two counts of assault. He also received a lifetime restraining order and will be added to the Sex Offenders Register.

On Sunday 16 July 2023, Price met a woman and exchanged details with her. Within a matter of days of meeting her, the abuse started. Price punched her repeatedly, bit her, and subjected her to various other attacks and threats. As well as these attacks, he also raped her.

The ordeal lasted for seven days, before Price left the property and the victim managed to call her friend, who notified police. Officers arrived at the property. They acted swiftly to collect CCTV evidence, witness and victim statements. This led to the arrest of Price, within days of the report.

Price was arrested at an address in Central Park Avenue following covert work by the local manhunt team and subsequently interviewed on Wednesday, 26 July by detectives from the Met’s East Area Public Protection Unit.

He was found guilty of rape and one count of assault following a trial at the same court following the conclusion of a trial in April. Price had earlier pleaded guilty to another count of assault.

PC Ugne Draz, the victim’s Sexual Offences Liaison Officer said: “The victim in this case has shown amazing courage throughout the investigation.

“It has been a long process in order to see this case completed. The victim boldly pushed through to ensure Sam Price was brought to justice.”

Detective Constable Jess Stephens, who led the investigation, said: “This is a good result not only because we can bring this case to a close but also I hope it encourages more women to step forward and report these crimes.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority and we are using all of the tactics at our disposal to target predatory men like Price who pose the greatest risk.”