Crawley man jailed for raping two sex workers

Pawel Pazola, of Regents Close, Crawley, produced a fake police page and an imitation firearm during one of the attacks.

A court heard how he targeted two Brazilian sex workers, threatening to arrest and deport them.

The 51-year-old stole money that he paid to one of the woman, taking additional cash from his second victim.

Pawel Pazola has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for raping two sex workers.

Following a trial, he was found guilty of rape, robbery, impersonating a police officer and possessing of an imitation firearm.

After the court case, Detective Sergeant Sam Lockstone, who led the investigation, said: “Pazola is a highly dangerous predator who sought to take advantage of the victims’ perceived vulnerabilities for his own gratification and monetary gain.

"I would like to praise the victims for showing such bravery and courage throughout this investigation and during the trial."

Pazola arranged sexual services with both victims using an online escort website.

Imitation firearm recovered from Pazola

Both women were from Brazil but did not know each other at the time.

He met his first victim, who was in her 20s, at an address in Camden, north London, on Friday, August 7 2020 .

He forced her to engage in sexual acts that went beyond their agreement.

She reported this to police as well as sharing information about what had happened on a WhatsApp group for other Brazilian sex workers working in the UK.

Through the group she found out that something very similar had happened to another woman.

Fake police ID used by Pazola

Pazola met up with his second victim, another woman in her 20s, at a flat in Bayswater, Westminster, on Saturday, August 22 2020 at 10.30pm.

On this occasion, an agreement was made and again Pazola forced the victim to engage in sexual acts which she had not consented to.

The first victim encouraged her to report this assault to police, reassuring her that it would be taken seriously.

Detectives began an investigation and tracked down Pazola using phone records.

• READ MORE: East Sussex hay bale fires were deliberately set - police confirm

After he was arrested, his home and car were searched with an imitation police badge, a black replica handgun and £1,380 in cash were seized.

Pazola was charged and went on trial at Wood Green Crown Court where he was convicted at the start of September.

A judge jailed him on Friday, ordering that following his release he must remain on licence for a further four years and he is been made subject to sex offenders notification requirement for life.

Det Sgt Sam Lockstone added: "The Met’s response to sex work has not changed; our priority remains addressing vulnerability and exploitation linked to on-street, off-street and online sex work.

• READ MORE: Man stabbed in chest and leg in Hastings town centre

“Our approach is not to criminalise the sex workers involved but to safeguard and support them, and build mutual trust and confidence to encourage the sharing of information to improve safety.

"I hope that this sentence demonstrates the Met’s commitment to tackling crimes against sex workers, and violence against women and girls in whatever form it may take.”

Police say the women, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were fully supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation and prosecution.

Both victims have returned to Brazil but were able to give evidence via video link to help secure the conviction.

One of the women was supported by charity Rehab UK, receiving "practical, confidential and compassionate support".

• READ MORE: Man robbed and beaten outside his home in St Leonards, Hastings

A spokesman for the charity said: "The survivor faced multiple barriers in disclosing the crimes committed against her, fear of facing stigma and prejudice around whether she’d be believed, mistrust in figures of authority, a language barrier and concern surrounding her immigration status.

"She was able to find a way through difficulties and uncertainty, explore her options, and access opportunities to pursue criminal justice.

"Both women showed remarkable courage and resilience to report and follow the criminal justice process."

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape, or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.