Survivor Details Harrowing Escape from South London Rapist
A courageous survivor of convicted rapist Gabriel Hay has spoken publicly for the first time, revealing the terrifying details of her assault and urging other victims of abuse to come forward. The woman, identified as Lily to protect her identity, described how she fought desperately to escape Hay's South London home during the attempted rape.
The Night of Terror in Clapham
Lily recounted how her acrylic nails snapped from clawing at the floor so hard as she tried to drag herself to safety. "I remember thinking 'oh my God he's a monster, he's literally attacking me'," she told reporters. The 28-year-old predator had kicked in her knees as she attempted to flee towards the front door.
Hay, of Gauden Road in Clapham, was sentenced to 19 years in prison in May 2025 after being found guilty of multiple sex offences including rape, attempted rape, and two counts of sexual assault. Lily's case formed part of these convictions, with Hay found guilty of attempting to rape and sexually assaulting her.
Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
The survivor first reported Hay to police when she discovered he had sexually assaulted another woman. She described how during a night out, Hay had forced himself into the same toilet cubicle she was using. "He was being weird to me the whole night," Lily recalled. "You know when you can feel someone's eyes on you the whole time."
On the separate occasion of the attempted rape conviction, Lily had gone to Hay's home to charge her phone when the battery died. She believed she was safe because he "hadn't been weird" that evening and had made him swear he wouldn't try anything. Despite his promise, Hay began what Lily described as getting 'giddy' and pulling at her hands.
The Desperate Struggle for Freedom
Lily described how the evening deteriorated into a terrifying chase through the property. "The whole evening became me trying to get my phone, and him chasing me," she said. "At one point, he pulled his fully erect penis out, and I was begging for him to stop and to let me go home."
She continued: "He said 'I know you've wanted this for so long' and I said 'no I haven't, please stop'. The more upset I was, the more erect he became. He was loving it and was giggling as he chased me around like it was a game."
When Lily finally reached the front door, Hay grabbed her by the neck and pinned her against the wall, slapping her face and declaring "you're not leaving." She managed to wrestle free and stagger up the basement steps to street level while Hay tried to drag her back inside.
Aftermath and Sickening Message
The following day, Hay sent Lily a disturbing text message stating: "so fun, I love playing with you." Lily gave evidence in court against her attacker but found the experience traumatic. "I've never felt so anxious, I couldn't breathe," she said of the cross-examination. "His lawyer made me feel like such an idiot. I was cross examined for two days, and it was terrifying."
School Connections and Cultural Concerns
Hay attended Dulwich College, a private school that has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of "rape culture." An open letter published by the Sunday Times had previously branded the institution "a breeding ground for sexual predators."
Lily commented: "They are entitled boys who can't take 'no'. You don't hear the same stories coming from other private schools. They behave like they are gifts from God who maybe can't imagine a world where they are told 'no'."
A Dulwich College spokesperson responded: "We were shocked by the news of the conviction of a man who was a pupil at Dulwich College, leaving in 2011. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those affected." The school emphasised its commitment to fostering respect, safety, and accountability among pupils.
Recovery and Message to Other Survivors
Lily revealed that the assault devastated her mental health, leading to panic disorder and complex PTSD, but she has begun to recover through therapy. She now feels empowered to encourage other survivors to report inappropriate behaviour.
"I want other victims - of Hay's or not - to know it's never their fault," Lily stated. "You're a survivor of something horrible and I encourage you to come forward and report any inappropriate behaviour. I now feel empowered as I know I'm worth so much more than the way he treated me."
For those affected by similar experiences in England or Wales, specialist support is available through the charity Rape Crisis via their 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222.
