A man described as a “predator” who attempted to sexually assault a woman near Buckingham Palace has been sentenced to seven years and three months in prison. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 7, 2024, when Ramzi Barkat, aged 54, followed a woman out of St James’s Park in central London. Despite the victim’s rejection of his advances, Barkat proceeded to physically assault her, an act characterized by Judge Justin Cole as predatory behavior.
Fortunately, the attempted rape was thwarted by three courageous young soldiers who heard the woman’s cries for help while passing by the scene. Judge Cole, in his sentencing remarks, criticized the police officers involved in the case for what he described as a series of failures that led to Barkat being released back into the community despite the severity of the crime.
The judge expressed his dismay at the “catalogue of incompetencies” displayed by the authorities, emphasizing that Barkat was allowed to roam freely for a year after the incident, posing a potential threat to public safety. Barkat, an Algerian-born individual residing in North London, had denied the charges against him, claiming that he only intended to steal the woman’s phone.
In addition to the prison sentence, Barkat was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and a 10-year restraining order. Judge Cole also announced his intention to nominate the brave soldiers who intervened for the prestigious High Sheriff Bravery Awards.
