Rapists snared by ‘game-changing' new police tech to record bruises on darker skin

Yahoo

5 days ago

New police technology which makes it easier to see bruising in darker skin has snared two rapists.
Ashley Bramble, 36, sexually assaulted a 13-year-old schoolgirl after picking her up at Hackney Carnival.
The victim and a friend missed their last train home but Bramble offered to let the pair stay at his property in Portland Rise, Finsbury Park.
The sex predator carried out a string of attacks on one of the girls overnight.
She revealed details at school and Metropolitan Police detectives were able to track down Bramble in north London last September.
'A game-changing' device - known as Project Archway - which allow officers to better assess victims' injuries by making it easier to photograph and visualise bruising was used in the case against him.
At Wood Green Crown Court, Bramble was jailed for 15 years having been convicted of two counts of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault.
Another offender convicted thanks to Archway is Samuel Keys, 26, from Corby, Northamptonshire, who admitted five counts of rape against a woman and faces a lengthy jail term in September.
Officers have previously faced challenges trying to gather evidence of some injuries, which limit chances of successful prosecutions in the war on violence against women and girls.
During a pilot in south London, the tool was used on 33 occasions and charges were brought in 45 per cent of these cases.
The device has undergone ethical scrutiny and wide consultation, including input from the Crown Prosecution Service, Black Police Association and the Met Ethics Board.
Officers are specially trained prior to use and can only use the device with full consent from victims.
In 2024, more than 123,000 violent crimes against women and girls were reported to the Met.
Groundbreaking tech is helping us tackle violence against women and girls.Project Archway captures bruising – especially on darker skin – more clearly and at an earlier stage, giving victims a better chance of justice. pic.twitter.com/lFjLDVEOay
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) July 1, 2025
Alongside the force's V100 programme, which deploys counter-terrorism tactics to target London's most dangerous offenders, 129 convictions and 154 serious charges have been achieved.
Arrests and charges for rape and serious sexual offences more than doubled.
Speaking at New Scotland Yard, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said of the Archway project: 'We have made big strides in protecting women and girls from predatory men – and this new device is a bold symbol of that transformation.
'Compared to three years ago, our charge rate for offences for violence against women and girls offences has tripled, and we're going after the most dangerous individuals through our V100 programme. Women in London are better protected, and this is reflected in the trust gap between men and women closing.
'These improvements are a credit to our people – to their empathy, determination, and courage as they take on these heartrending cases day after day.
'The Met is leading nationally on innovation that puts victims first. We are the only police service to develop this kind of frontline technology, and we're already seeing how it strengthens evidence, builds trust, and ensures victims feel seen and heard from the moment they report abuse.'
London mayor Sir Sadiq told reporters police were responding to the concerns of victims of colour.
He said: 'I completely understand why ethnic minority and women Londoners have had less confidence in the police service and one of the missions of the police service with my support – and challenge – is to make sure we address the concerns that those Londoners have.
'I think what today shows is just how much the police has changed, and is responding to a legitimate concern raised by victims and survivors, particularly ethnic minority victims and survivors.'