A sexual predator who followed a woman off a bus before attacking her has been locked up.
The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had walked to a bus stop in Milton Street, Nottingham city centre, after finishing her shift at work.
She was approached by 36-year-old Ervin Shehu who sat next to her at the bus stop and tried to talk to her.
She got up and moved away from him before getting on her bus to take her home. Unbeknown to her Shehu also got on.
When the victim got off in Old Basford, so did Shehu.
As she was walking along Shehu grabbed her from behind, put his hand over her mouth and pulled her top open.
She pulled away from him during a struggle and they fell to the floor. She tried to escape but Shehu grabbed hold of her again and was touching her as the attack continued.
The victim’s partner, who had spoken to her earlier when she was on the bus, called her during the attack and could hear her screaming before the phone disconnected.
Living nearby, he ran out of his house and saw the victim struggling to get away from Shehu. He challenged Shehu who then ran off.
The terrifying attack happened around 2.30am on 25 August 2019.
Detailed enquiries were carried out, including checking CCTV footage, and forensic enquiries identified Shehu’s blood on the victim’s shirt.
Shehu, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to sexual assault and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (22 February 2022).
He also pleaded guilty to a charge of cannabis production – relating to a grow found and dismantled by police at an address in Noel Street, Hyson Green, on 6 August 2021.
Shehu was sentenced to a total of five years in prison.
Detective Constable Richard Robertson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This incident must have been absolutely terrifying for the victim and it has had a devastating impact on her.
“I’d like to commend her for her bravery shown throughout our investigation and I hope that now Shehu is behind bars for a significant amount of time gives her some degree of closure and comfort.
“I also hope the successful outcome of this investigation will give other victims the confidence to come forward and report serious sexual offences.
“I’d like to reassure people that Nottinghamshire Police will always listen to and support victims and do everything in its power to ensure dangerous individuals like Shehu are caught and brought to justice.”
