- Badhyl Mustafaj from Greenwich denied raping his victim in May 2019
- Mustafaj claimed he was going to fix a lightbulb before attacking the woman
A rapist who was caught after detectives found DNA on a teddy bear he used during the sickening assault has been jailed for eight years.
The victim, who is in her 50s, used the soft toy to push 64-year-old Badhyl Mustafaj during the attack which took place in May 2019.
Forensic scientists were able to gather vital DNA evidence from the toy which linked Mustafaj to the crime and allowed a jury to convict him of rape.
A court heard Mustafaj was known to his victim and had visited her home in Hampstead Heath, north London to fix a lightbulb in May 2019.
He was convicted of four counts of rape at Wood Green Crown Court.
Mustafaj had pleaded not guilty and was convicted following a trial.
Bardhyl Mustafaj, 64, pictured, was convicted of raping a woman in her 50s after his DNA was found on a teddy bear the victim had used to defend herself during the attack
Police found Mustafaj’s genetic material on the teddy, pictured, which was enough to convince a jury as to his guilt
Detective Constable Sam Orchard of the Met Police’s Complex Investigation team, led the team investigating the attack.
DC Orchard said: ‘I would firstly like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting this crime so quickly; she went through the most horrendous ordeal.
‘This allowed officers to promptly get to work, forensically analysing the crime scene, gathering a range of DNA evidence, interviewing potential witnesses and locating the suspect.
‘Their relentless attention to detail meant that no stone was left unturned. A key piece of evidence was the presence of Mustafaj’s DNA on the teddy bear which the victim used to push him off when he tried to kiss her.
‘Mustafaj is now behind bars for a considerable time and will not be able to prey on other vulnerable women.
‘We would encourage any victims of sexual assault to come forward to the police. You will be listened to and we will work hard to support you while we investigate what has happened.’
Mustafaj, from Greenwich had pleaded not guilty to raping his victim.
He was convicted by a jury on December 1 and sentenced earlier this week.
He was charged with the offence on June 29, 2022.