Man sentenced to 19 years following rape in Clapham

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for rape and sexual offences following a lengthy investigation by the Met Police.

Gabriel Hay (02.01.1997) of Gauden Road, SW4 was sentenced to 19 years in prison on Tuesday, 13 May at Inner London Crown Court.

Hay was found guilty of rape, attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault on Monday, 10 March at the same court. The charges relate to multiple incidents which took place between 2014 and 2023.

In April 2023, Hay met a woman while working at a bar in Clapham. It was here that Hay recommended she and a friend go on drinking at another location – he would join them there. When Hay arrived at the end of his shift, he plied her with alcohol. As a result of this she became unsteady on her feet and he led her out of the bar to his address – a house he shared with his mother – where he raped her.

It was this report of rape that enabled detectives to re-open previously reported incidents that did not initially hold sufficient evidence and bring charges against Hay.

These incidents were a sexual assault in April 2014 in which Hay groped a woman in her 20s at a party in Clapham. He later attempted to rape her at his house in July 2016. Hay also touched another woman without consent in the back of a taxi in south London in 2018.

Detective Sergeant Damian Jones, who let the Met’s investigation, said:

“While nothing can remedy Hay’s horrific crimes, I hope this sentence brings closure to the three women - who have shown such resilience over the last few years – especially during the trial. It is because of them that we secured a conviction.

“This investigation has taken a dangerous individual off our streets. Our officers will continue to tackle violence against women and girls and put victim-survivors at the centre of our work. If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Hay, you can contact police via 101 quoting 2532/21APR23."

If you live in England or Wales and have been affected by this case and would like to seek independent support from specialist agencies, please contact the charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line or call them on 0808 500 2222. Specially trained staff are there to listen, answer questions and offer support.