Bruke Besalagne convicted of raping pensioner outside Harrow church
The 33-year-old, who had no fixed address, attacked the victim near St John’s Church on Station Road in July 2025.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA 33-year-old man has been found guilty of raping an elderly man outside St John’s Church on Station Road, Harrow. The attack took place shortly after midnight on 23 July 2025. Bruke Besalagne, who had no fixed address at the time, was convicted by a jury at Harrow Crown Court.
Besalagne was arrested at the scene after members of the public alerted police. He was charged the following day and remanded in custody. The court heard the victim was targeted while vulnerable, with police describing him as defenceless.
Police response
Met Police Detective Constable Luke Revill said Besalagne was a dangerous offender. He confirmed the victim was an elderly man who had been left vulnerable by the attack. Revill thanked the public for reporting the incident, which led to Besalagne’s arrest.
“Bruke Desalagne is a dangerous offender who targeted a defenceless, vulnerable, elderly man.”
Revill urged anyone who has been a victim of similar crimes to contact police. He said the force remains committed to bringing sexual predators to justice. The case was prosecuted following a full investigation by the Met’s specialist teams.
What happens next
Besalagne will be sentenced at a later date. The court has not yet set a date for the hearing. The victim’s identity has not been disclosed, and police have not released further details about his condition.
Questions this report answers
01Who was convicted of raping the pensioner in Harrow?
Bruke Besalagne, a 33-year-old man with no fixed abode, was convicted by a jury at Harrow Crown Court. He attacked the victim outside St John’s Church on Station Road on 23 July 2025.
02When did the attack outside St John’s Church happen?
The attack occurred shortly after midnight on 23 July 2025. Bruke Besalagne was arrested at the scene and charged the following day by police.
03What did the police say about the victim?
Met Police Detective Constable Luke Revill described the victim as defenceless and vulnerable. He said the force is committed to bringing sexual predators like Besalagne to justice.
04When will Bruke Besalagne be sentenced?
Besalagne will be sentenced at a later date, though the court has not yet set a hearing date. He remains in custody following his conviction at Harrow Crown Court.
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