Wembley tattoo artist jailed after raping unconscious woman

Brazilian Dewal Dos Santos Silva, 37, of High Road, Wembley, was contacted by the victim who arranged to go to his flat to get a tattoo in October 2020.

While there she became groggy and lost consciousness before waking in the early hours of the following morning to find Dos Santos Silva raping her.

As the “distraught” woman in her mid-30s went home after the attack, Dos Santos Silva sent a text apologising for “screwing up” and asking if she was angry with him.

Dewal Dos Santos was sentenced at Harrow Crown Court (Image: Met Police)

He was arrested on November 3 of that year and claimed he could not remember what had happened, but officers seized forensic evidence which later proved his guilt.

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Dos Santos Silva was found guilty of rape at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment, with a further five years to be served on licence, the Metropolitan Police said.

A restraining order was also issued prohibiting him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly.

He was found not guilty of administering a substance with intent.

Detective Constable Ian Smith, of North West Command Unit, said: “The victim somewhat trusted Dos Santos Silva as she had met him on a previous occasion for a piercing which went without incident.

“This time around he exploited and abused her trust in the most horrific way, making her feel uncomfortable with suggestive comments before going on to rape her.

“Her bravery and courage is remarkable and I hope Dos Santos Silva’s jailing goes some way to helping her move on to the next chapter in her life.

“It is a possibility that there are more victims of Dos Santos Silva who have yet to come forward.

“I would encourage anyone who may have been a victim to contact us.

“We will listen to you, we will investigate and take action.”