Metropolitan Police specialist sexual offences officers obtained justice for a young American woman, after a man was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for sexual assault.

Branson Reagan, 28 of San Diego, USA, appeared for a Harrow Crown Court sitting at Hendon Magistrates Court on Monday, 22 July where he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced on the same day.

The incident took place in Brent in September 2015 when Reagan visited the woman, who he knew, while he was studying abroad. In the middle of the night, Reagan sexually assaulted her while she slept.

The victim-survivor reported the crime in July 2020. Specialist officers interviewed her and commenced a lengthy investigation, securing Reagan’s attendance in court after he was granted leave from the United States Navy.

Reagan first appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 August 2023 where he was charged with the offences.

Detective Constable Frederick Titchener, part of the Safeguarding Team in north west London who led the investigation, said:

“We worked hard to bring justice to a woman who put her trust in the UK to keep her safe while she was studying in London. We admire and thank the enormous courage she had to come forward and we hope it encourages others in similar circumstances to have the same level of bravery to talk to us.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority across the Met. We are doing more to support communities and people who’ve had their trust damaged, focusing on protecting women and girls from violence and targeting predatory men who commit those crimes.”

As part of the New Met for London, the Met offers victim-survivors specialist support and have committed to involving them in the decision-making process throughout the investigation.

To find out more about reporting a rape or sexual assault, visit:
https:///www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault