Oswald Greenaway

Oswald Greenaway, a 60-year-old man from Bream Close in Tottenham, committed a series of serious offences against a vulnerable woman in the early hours of 30 September 2023. While parked near Homerton in Hackney, London, Greenaway spotted the woman walking home alone after attending a party. He offered her a lift, but instead of taking her home, he drove rapidly to his own flat, where he provided her with more alcohol and sexually assaulted her.

The assault lasted for approximately two hours, after which the victim managed to escape from the flat. However, Greenaway pursued and found her. Police officers subsequently tracked down the victim and arrested Greenaway, discovering an 11cm knife in his possession during the arrest. The victim reported severe psychological trauma following the incident, including debilitating panic attacks, low mood, and feelings of hopelessness. She stated that she no longer feels safe and has decided to relocate her home.

Greenaway was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court of kidnapping, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed weapon. He had a prior criminal history comprising 16 convictions for 25 offences. In July 2024, he was initially sentenced to four years and three months in prison. However, the Solicitor General appealed the sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, leading the Court of Appeal to increase it by one year to five years and three months.

Solicitor General Ellie Reeves MP commented on the case, stating: 'I was utterly appalled by this case. Oswald Greenaway is a dangerous sexual predator, who deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman before kidnapping and sexually assaulting her. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to increase Greenaway’s sentence. I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the victim, who has showed remarkable courage throughout.' The case was reported by the Hackney Gazette, highlighting the predatory nature of the offence in the local community.