Latest Offenders london

Description

A sex offender who targeted lone women on late night trains has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Sebastian Vernon, 45, and of Finborough Road, West London, was found guilty of two counts of Sexual Assault following a trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.

He was sentenced to six months in prison on 1 July and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.

The court heard how, at around 11pm on 25 March 2025, Vernon boarded a Circle Line train at Ladbrook Grove heading towards King’s Cross station. Despite the carriage being empty he sat next to a young woman before sexually assaulting her while she was trapped in her seat.

In a bid to escape Vernon’s clutches, she pretended she was leaving the train but stayed on when she saw him disembark.

Just two weeks later, on 8 April, Vernon boarded a train from Stevenage to Hitchin just before midnight.

Again he sat next to a young woman in a virtually empty carriage and proceeded to engage her in small talk.

The woman immediately became suspicious of his behaviour and left her seat and moved towards the carriage doors.

When she looked around she realised that Vernon had followed her, and as she waited to leave the service he sexually assaulted her.

The women reported what happened through BTP’s discreet 61016 text-to-report service and its online reporting service and officers soon realised they were looking for the same person for both attacks.

Their detailed reports resulted in officers identifying Vernon and tracing him to a central London court where he was arrested as he emerged from a hearing for unrelated offences of assault, theft and possessing cannabis.

BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert said:

“Vernon is an opportunistic predator who prowled train carriages late at night seeking out women who were travelling alone before attacking them.

“I commend the bravery of the two women for reporting what happened and supporting our subsequent investigation which has resulted in another sex offender behind bars.

“Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP and we encourage anyone who is victim of, or witness to, this crime type to report it to us by texting 61016.

“We take every report seriously and offenders like Vernon will be made to face justice.”

Description

Victim-survivors are encouraged to come forward after a man who groomed vulnerable young men over a period of more than 40 years was found guilty of non-recent sexual offences, following a meticulous investigation by the Met.

Detectives gathered accounts from victim-survivors to prove 77-year-old John Grant’s guilt. Grant – who had been a senior figure across churches and in local communities – had links with churches across the country, including in Muswell Hill Baptist Church in north London, and Billingham Baptist Church in Stockton-on-Tees, as well as several youth groups in north London.

Met investigators believe there may be a considerable number of other victims due to the nature of Grant’s offending and his lengthy association with the church as an influential member at multiple religious institutions.

John Grant, 77 (13.04.1949) of Colney Hatch Lane, Hornsey, was convicted at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 13 July.

He was found guilty of –

• three counts of sexual assault,
• six counts of indecent assault,
• two counts of causing another person to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 11 September.

The offences relate to four victim-survivors and took place between 1970 and 2012 when Grant was associated with several churches across the country and youth groups in north London. He held various roles, including church deacon and youth group leader.

Detective Constable Liam Levy, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a deeply distressing case involving a number of non-recent sexual offences, and I would like to recognise the courage and bravery shown by the victim-survivors in coming forward and putting their trust in us.

“This conviction would not have been possible without their accounts that were provided in the early stages of the investigation, which helped identify the scale of Grant’s prolific offending across more than four decades. The victim-survivors were vulnerable young men who put their trust in Grant through his church association, and it is devastating they could be taken advantage of in this way.

“As this case demonstrates, the Met is firmly committed to investigating all reports of rape and sexual offences, even if they occurred many years ago. Any victim-survivor that comes forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”

The investigation

Police first became aware of Grant’s offending in 2023 after a victim-survivor reported that he had been repeatedly sexually assaulted over a 30-year period. The abuse began in 1994 when the victim-survivor moved into a shared house with Grant. However, after two other people moved out of the address they shared, Grant began asking whether the victim-survivor wanted massages.

Despite rejecting these offers, the victim-survivor stated that he felt pressured into massages involving sexual touching. This continued until the victim moved out in 1998, but he returned to the address in 1999, where the abuse continued until 2012.

Following this disclosure, officers launched extensive enquiries to identify organisations and churches connected to Grant. These included Muswell Hill Baptist Church, Billingham Baptist Church and several youth groups in north London that Grant had previously run. Through these enquiries, detectives identified further victim-survivors.

Across all the complainants, there was a similar motive displayed by Grant where he groomed vulnerable young men through coercive control and behaviour, before sexually assaulting them.

The appeal

Due to the nature of this offending and the links to multiple churches, detectives are keen to encourage other potential victim-survivors to come forward.

In addition to Billingham and Muswell Hill churches, Grant was also a member of the Broomsknoll Church of Scotland in Airdrie between 1965 and 1970. He was also a member of Ward Green Baptist Church in Barnsley between 1973 and 1984.

The most senior role held by Grant was at Muswell Hill Baptist Church as Moderator for the London Baptist Association. This would see Grant stand in as a moderator for the other churches in the district and preach in local churches around Muswell Hill, which detectives believe may have resulted in contact with other potential victim-survivors.

The Met is committed to continually improving the support provided to victim-survivors, helping to build trust and confidence by listening, learning and taking action. This means putting victim-survivors at the centre of investigations, while maintaining a suspect-focused and context-led approach to achieving the best possible outcomes.

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Grant can call police on 101 quoting CAD3277/08JUL26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A man has been jailed after he was convicted of rape in Slough.

Travis Moore, aged 37, of Great West Road, Hounslow, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Monday (6/7) to 12 years and nine months’ imprisonment. He will serve nine years and nine months in custody, with the remainder to be served on licence.

Moore was convicted by a unanimous jury verdict following a five-day trial at Reading Crown Court on 5 May this year of one count of rape.

The conviction relates to an offence that took place between 11.30pm on 1 November 2025 and 1am on 2 November 2025 in Baylis Park, Slough.

On that date, Thames Valley Police received a report from a teenage girl that she had been raped in the park by an unknown man.

Officers attended immediately and located Moore nearby. He was arrested on 2 November 2025, charged the following day and remanded into custody.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Laura Bevan, of East Berkshire CID, said:

“Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case. Throughout the investigation and court process she showed immense courage, dignity and patience. Coming forward to report such a traumatic offence and then supporting a criminal investigation and trial takes considerable strength.

“Thanks to her bravery, a dangerous offender has been brought to justice and can no longer pose a risk to other women and girls.

“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Thames Valley Police. We are committed to tackling these offences, supporting victims and pursuing offenders relentlessly.

“I hope this sentence reassures victims that they will be listened to, treated with respect and supported throughout the criminal justice process. We will always seek to bring to justice those who commit offences of this nature.”

Description

Convicted: Iranian Asylum Seeker Hossein Mohmoudi Found Guilty of Attempted Rape

Hossein Mohmoudi, a 35-year-old Iranian asylum seeker, has been convicted of attempted rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Mohmoudi denied the offence, claiming he has a “micropenis” and is obese, and therefore could not have carried out the attack. He also cited low libido. Consultant urologist Dr George Fowlis told the court Mohmoudi’s penis was “normal”.

The court heard that in 2024, while living in an asylum hostel in London, Mohmoudi stalked a woman for around an hour after her Christmas party. He followed her for approximately three miles, crossing the road when she did and boarding the same bus, before attempting to rape her in an alleyway. A passing cyclist intervened and called police.

Officers arrested Mohmoudi two days later at his home after reviewing 30 hours of CCTV.

Mohmoudi had five previous convictions in Germany (two for assault and three for criminal damage). He left Iran in 2014 and entered the UK illegally via Turkey, Greece, Germany and France.

It was also heard that Mohmoudi had previously been reported to police for stalking a woman walking her dog. He admitted chatting on a fetish website the day before the attack, claiming it was “helpful for my English language”. Prosecutor Christiaan Moll replied: “There are other ways to improve your English…”

Defence barrister David Harounoff argued the incident lasted only 27 seconds — too short a time for Mohmoudi to attempt rape given his alleged medical issues.

During the assault the victim shouted: “Wait! Wait! Wait! F*** you! Back off! F*** off! F***!”

Detective Inspector Thomas Meaden said:  

“The victim has shown great strength throughout what has been an extremely hard experience. I hope this outcome provides some measure of justice.  

“Mohmudi is predator who poses danger to any women and girls he may cross. Had he not been interrupted by a brave member of the public, he intended to commit further harm.  

“I would like to thank the person who intervened and supported the victim ahead of officers arriving, and to commend all involved for their diligent work. Officers trawled 30 hours of CCTV to track Mohmudi, following him from the scene of the attack to his home address – resulting in his swift arrest two days later.”

Mohmoudi will be sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 29 July.

Description

A judge has praised the Metropolitan Police Service following a challenging and complex investigation conducted by detectives to bring a dangerous predator to justice.

He has been jailed for 16 years after a Met investigation uncovered his extensive offending, in which he targeted and sexually assaulted young men.

Waleed Saeed, 31 (14.06.1995), of Azalea Close, Ilford, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 19 June where he was sentenced for 17 offences, including rape, blackmail and making indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Peter Collington, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“The pattern of offending we have uncovered is deeply disturbing and shows a level of deliberate manipulation and cruelty that has caused immense harm to innocent men, with two of them being just 15 and 17 at the time.

“We know Saeed began offending in 2018, deliberately targeting young men from south Asian and Muslim backgrounds on the impression that these victim-survivors would be less likely to contact police. As part of our investigation, we’ve wrapped dedicated support around those who have already come forward.

“Following his sentence, I am making a direct appeal to other victim-survivors who may not have had the confidence to come forward, to please contact us.

“We want to be absolutely clear that no one should ever have their sexuality exploited or weaponised against them in this way. You will be treated with compassion, sensitivity and absolute confidentiality. What has been done to you is wrong, and we will do everything in our power to support you.”

Initial arrest

The Met’s investigation began in August 2024 following reports of a rape in a London park. The victim reported that they had exchanged sexual images with someone he believed to be a transgender woman. Shortly afterwards, he received threatening messages from another account run by Saeed, revealing his true identity as a man. He demanded payment, otherwise the images would be released.

When the victim said he could not pay, Saeed demanded that they met in person in order for the images not to be released. Over the following weeks, Saeed coerced the victim into attending three separate meetings in a London park late at night where he sexually assaulted and raped the victim. He would also conceal his identity by wearing a face covering each time.

Following this report, officers swiftly launched extensive digital enquiries to identify the suspect. They secured key data from social media accounts used by the suspect to contact the victim, and after months of detailed forensic investigation, were able to trace these accounts back to Saeed.

In November 2024, Saeed was arrested and two mobile phones were seized. A forensic examination of these not only found the social media accounts used to target the victim, but also uncovered further intimate images linked to additional, unidentified victims - some of whom were believed to be children.

Saeed was subsequently charged with eight counts of rape, blackmail and threatening to share a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state on 19 November 2024. He was remanded into custody immediately.

Further investigations

Upon identifying the potential for further victims, detectives undertook extensive cross-checks of non-recent cases - where no suspect had been identified and all viable lines of enquiry exhausted - against usernames and digital identifiers linked to Saeed.

This work uncovered a series of reports dating back as far as 2018, from both within London and other areas of the UK, revealing a sinister pattern of offending. Saeed posed as a young woman or transgender woman through fake personas and requested intimate images.

He would subsequently reveal his identity and use images of the victims to exploit them for money, often threatening exposure to their families, communities, universities, workplaces and friendship groups.

This work resulted in Saeed being charged with a further nine counts related to four additional victims on 25 March 2025.

During sentencing, the judge commended the Metropolitan Police investigation, praising the meticulous work led by DC Peter Collington, which involved complex analysis of digital evidence alongside thoughtful support for the victims.

Appeal

Following his conviction and sentencing, detectives believe there could be further victim-survivors who are yet to come forward and receive support.

Investigative work showed Saeed would use multiple usernames and profiles using the platform Snapchat, with names including variations of “blsup” (such as blsup1, blsup2021) and “ComeDeal” (such as comedeal, comedealillstop). He has also used false profiles posing as transgender women or women with names such as “Trans Girl Leah” or “amzyyyy09.”

Anyone who recognises these usernames, or believes they may have been in contact with Saeed, is encouraged to come forward.

Description

The defendant’s offending demonstrates a prolonged and calculated pattern of grooming, manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable children.

Detective Constable Aaron Aujia

Following an extensive and far-reaching investigation across Essex and London Jack Kingsbury has been jailed for more than 15 years for his persistent offending.

An investigation was launched by detectives after we were alerted to concerns for the welfare of a teenage girl by healthcare professionals.

As officers worked through their enquiries, they uncovered that the 29-year-old had added his victims on Snapchat and had begun “grooming” them.

The abuse moved offline and he travelled from his home in South London to meet one of the girls in Basildon.

Det Con Aujia said:

Despite arrests and safeguarding measures, he repeatedly sought to maintain control over his victims, using multiple phones, anonymous accounts and hidden communication methods to evade detection.

Through our forensic investigative work, we uncovered thousands of contacts and further offending, which demonstrated the continued risk he posed.

charged

Detectives worked closely with Metropolitan Police Service colleagues to locate the defendant, secure critical digital evidence and arrest him.

More victims were uncovered and he was also charged with offences relating to a 14-year-old Enfield girl.

Kingsbury, of Spa Hill, Croydon, denied the offences, but was found guilty of 11 child sex offences after a trial at Basildon Crown Court in March.

He was convicted of:

• Two counts of Offender 18 or over engage in penetrative sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15
• Adult meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming
• Two counts of engage in sexual communication with a child
• Four counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child
• Two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity

At the same court on Friday 12 June Kingsbury was jailed for 15 years and 8 months in prison and an additional two years on extended licence.

He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was given lifetime restraining orders in connection with the two victims and one witness.

He was placed on the sex offenders register and a depravation order was made in respect of Kingsbury’s devices.

Det Con Aujia added:

Kingsbury has been proven to be a calculated and dangerous offender. He has caused immense harm to his victims.

I hope this outcome gives them some comfort as they continue their recovery, and some reassurance that Kingsbury will be in custody for a significant length of time.

Our joint working with colleagues from the Met ensured the victims were safeguarded and the full extent of his offending has been uncovered.

Description

Following a through Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Banbury. 

Sam Augustus Layne (pictured below), aged 41, of Gleneagle Road, Lambeth, London was found guilty by a majority jury of one count of rape of an adult female following a four-day trial at Oxford Crown Court on 30 April 2026. 

At the same court on Wednesday (10/6), Layne was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, given an indefinite restraining order to the victim and given a sexual harm prevention order for fifteen years. 

At around 19.20pm on 17 February 2023, Northamptonshire Police received a report from a friend of the victim, a woman aged in her twenties at the time of the offence, that she had been raped on 15 February. 

Following a night out in Banbury on 14 February 2023, Layne, who knew the victim, had invited her back to his home address to continue socialising until the victim eventually fell asleep. Layne then proceeded to rape her. 

Layne was arrested on 18 February 2023 and subsequently charged on 26 April 2024. 

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sarah Osborne of the North Oxfordshire Criminal Investigation Department said:

“I commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and for her strength throughout the criminal justice process. Reporting such an offence can be incredibly difficult, and her courage should not be underestimated. 

“The victim fell asleep fully clothed in the presence of a man she trusted to keep her safe. Sam Layne chose to exploit that trust, raping her while she was asleep, vulnerable, and unable to give consent. 

“This was a serious and profound violation of her trust, her dignity, and her sense of safety. I am pleased that Sam Layne has now been held accountable for his actions. This conviction reflects the seriousness of the offence and the harm caused. 

“I hope this outcome sends a clear message that offences of this nature will be thoroughly investigated and pursued. Thames Valley Police remains committed to supporting victims and tackling violence against women and girls.” 

Description

Detectives have praised a woman for the immense courage she showed in giving evidence after being raped and tortured, leading to her attacker being sentenced to 34 years.

Gagandeep Singh, 34, (19.11.91), of Heathfield Road, Wandsworth was found guilty in February of two counts of rape, false imprisonment, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and kidnap following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court.

Singh appeared at the same court today – Friday, 12 June. He will serve a 34-year sentence, comprising 28 years in custody followed by a 6-year extended licence period, and will not be considered for parole until he has served at least 18 years (two-thirds of the custodial term) and the extended licence, after which he will be deported with no right of re-entry.

The court heard how the victim – a 24-year-old woman – became suspicious when she was asked to deliver a suitcase containing unknown items from Thailand back to the UK in June 2024.

She refused and when she arrived back at Birmingham Airport, she was put into a car and driven to London by masked men. She was taken to a house in Hanwell where she was subjected to prolonged torture, including by Singh, who would go on to rape her on two occasions.

Understandably traumatised by the experience, she was initially reluctant to tell the police the full truth of what had happened. Supported by her mum and by the patience and consistent engagement shown by specialist Met officers, she slowly and bravely built the confidence to pursue justice at her own pace.

Detective Constable Seetara Abdul, from the North West Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, who led the investigation said:

“The brutality of what the victim in this case faced is unimaginable. She has shown immense bravery in coming forward and helping us ensure her attacker faces justice. The cruel level of control left her fearing for her life. Threats were made to try and silence her, but the support of her mum and the diligent care shown by the officers investigating her case meant we were able to apprehend and charge an extremely dangerous individual.

“We know how difficult and daunting it can be for women who have been the victim of this sort of traumatising attack to come forward and share the amount of information required to secure a successful conviction. In this case, a team of supportive female officers focused on prioritising engagement that moved at the victim’s pace, allowing her the time to begin to trust the officers and giving her the space to tell her story.

“We want to thank her for that trust and for the patience, bravery and determination she has shown throughout this investigation and the trial that followed. Her courage in the face of such awful crimes is a testament to her hugely impressive strength and resilience.”

After being subjected to more than a day of torture including being punched in the face, beaten, stripped, whipped, burnt and raped, the victim was released by her captors. She was threatened and warned not to tell anyone what had happened.

In the hours after her release, she bravely told her mum that she had been the victim of an attack but could not bring herself to disclose the full extent of her ordeal. Her mum made an initial third party report to the police but the victim did not feel able to take it further.

It would be around six more weeks before the victim would feel strong enough, supported by her mum and officers, to provide a full account.

Crucially, the clothing she had been wearing when she was kidnapped had been kept aside at her home so it could be sent for forensic examination. This was submitted for examination by DC Abdul and it revealed a one in a million positive DNA match for Singh who by that point was in prison on remand for an unrelated offence.

He was arrested and interviewed. He answered no comment to all questions but the evidence against him, not least the DNA match and the victim’s testimony, was enough to secure charges.

The victim of Singh’s crimes has bravely released a statement:

“I never wanted to contact the police. It felt daunting. I was left thinking that if I did, I could be putting myself and the people around me in danger.

“It was my mum who never gave up. She believed going to the police was the right thing to do. She kept my clothes as evidence and saved all of my doctor’s notes. She said she couldn’t rest knowing they could be doing this to other people.

“At the time, I felt a deep sense of shame. I have always been someone who stands firm in my decisions, with a strong sense of self, and I didn’t want to lose that.

“My friends and family supported me throughout everything. They made sure I never lost the strength to keep going, and for that I am truly grateful.

“To anyone who has experienced abuse, sexual or otherwise, please remember this: we are not the ones who should carry shame. We survive, and we go on to live again.”

The victim's mother, who continued to push for justice, said:

“Firstly, I would like to thank the Metropolitan police, namely DC Seetara Abdul, PC Grace Wilson and PC Destoni Peters for the support and commitment, as well as the CPS, Chloe from the Havens and everyone else who has helped and worked hard to ensure that justice is served so that my daughter can have closure.

“When I contacted the Metropolitan Police, they responded with professionalism and sensitivity and reassured me that I could report this too as a third-party. Despite my daughter initially not wishing to proceed. They took my concerns seriously and continued to investigate due to the seriousness of the offences.

“As a family, we are grateful for all the support provided. Their actions have given us a sense of closure, and we are reassured that a dangerous individual has now been removed from the streets.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted an 18-year-old on a train after bombarding her with inappropriate comments has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Adrian White, 47, and of Sandringham Road, London, pleaded guilty to on count of Sexual Assault and was jailed for eight months at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 26 May.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The court heard how, on the afternoon of 27 June last year, the victim was travelling with friends on a train from Birmingham New Street to London Euston.

White entered the same carriage and began making unwanted conversation with the group before directing inappropriate comments at the woman.

When the victim stood up to leave the service at Coventry, she was sexually assaulted by White.

The girls reported what happened to rail staff immediately and White was ejected from the train.

He was subsequently arrested by BTP officers who secured the sexual assault charge against him. 

BTP Constable Dominic Johnston said:

“White’s sleazy and lewd behaviour unnerved the women who made it abundantly clear they did not wish to engage with him.

“Despite this, White continued to harass the group before his behaviour escalated and he sexually assaulted one of them.

“I commend the victim’s bravery in reporting what happened and for her constant and steadfast support of our investigation. I hope that this prison sentence will provide White with the opportunity to reflect upon his intolerable behaviour.

“Tackling sexual offending on the railway is a top priority for BTP and we encourage anyone who is victim of, or witness to, this crime type to report it to us by texting 61016.”

Description

A violent sex offender who launched a “sickening” attack on a young man on a train has been jailed following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Zakaria Mohammed, aged 32, of The Coppice, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to Actual Bodily Harm, Sexual Assault, False Imprisonment and breaching the conditions of a previous Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was jailed for one year and eight months at Reading Crown Court on 19 May and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

He was also made the subject of a 10-year SHPO and must pay a victim surcharge of £187.

The court heard how, shortly before 8.30am on Saturday 24 March, Mohammed sat directly opposite the 21-year-old victim at a table in an otherwise empty carriage.

The pair made small talk until Mohammed, who had clearly been drinking and was carrying a half empty bottle of wine, sexually assaulted the man.

He eventually moved to sit next to the victim, who attempted to the leave his seat when the train reached Reading station.

When he asked Mohamed to move so he could leave he refused, leaving the victim with no other option than to crawl under the table to escape.

However, as he was doing so, Mohammed repeatedly hit him over the head with his wine bottle.

On leaving the train the victim reported what had happened and realised he was bleeding heavily from cuts to his head.

Mohammed was arrested by BTP officers as he approached the barriers to leave the station and was found to be in breach of a previous SHPO forbidding him from travelling on public transport without paying for a ticket.

BTP Detective Constable Lauren Pace said:

“This was a truly sickening assault on a young man who was understandably terrified.

“Mohammed is a dangerous individual who saw nothing wrong with forcing himself upon the victim.

“Quite rightly he has been jailed as a result of our investigation and issued with a SHPO which will hopefully prevent him from attacking anyone else.

“We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual offending on the railway to report it to us by texting 61016.”

Description

A “calculated” sex offender who prowled night Tubes targeting women has been jailed for more than four years following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Salman Yousaf, 46, and of HMP Pentonville, pleaded guilty to nine charges in total – eight counts of Sexual Assault and one of Outraging Public Decency.

At Inner London Crown Court on 20 May a judge sentenced him to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with a further four years to be served on licence when he’s released.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Yousaf was already serving a seven-year jail term when, in 2024, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) informed BTP detectives of his offending modus operandi.

This information was compared against ongoing investigations into sexual offending on the London Underground network in which the offence matched the MPS case and a suspect had not been identified.

Extensive enquiries resulted in Yousaf being linked to a total of nine offences committed between 2017 and 2021.

All occurred on board Tube trains at night.

The first took place at around 5am on 11 March 2017 when he masturbated in front a woman on a Central Line service near Stratford.   

Then on eight separate occasions, all on Central Line and Jubilee Line services, Yousaf singled out women and sexually assaulted them.

He made a conscious effort to target women who had fallen asleep on night Tubes.  

Detectives arrested Yousaf in prison on 16 April 2024, and he offered no comment to all questions put to him.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised nine charges against him in total. Then, as his trial approached, he changed his plea from not guilty and admitted to all the offences. 

BTP Detective Constable Iryna Cuthbert said:

“Salman Yousaf is a calculated predator who deliberately exploited the night-time rail network to target lone women, using their isolation to commit a series of premeditated crimes.

“Even when confronted, he showed a complete lack of remorse – the same absence of remorse he demonstrated at his sentencing.

“Thanks to the information provided by our colleagues at the MPS, we were able to link him to a catalogue of vile sexual offending and ultimately extend his stay behind bars beyond 2030.

“Yousaf’s crimes will have a lasting impact on the women he targeted. I want to acknowledge their bravery in coming forward and reporting what happened, and I hope his sentence brings them some measure of justice.”

Description

A sex offender from Finchley who covertly recorded his crimes has been sentenced to 14 years, after Met Police officers used the material to identify victims.

Ross Davidson, 38 (24.02.88), of Station Road, Finchley, was jailed on Thursday, 30 April at Wood Green Crown Court following two trials. He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In July 2024 Davidson was found guilty of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and voyeurism. During the second trial in January 2026, Davidson pleaded guilty to one count of voyeurism and was later found guilty by the jury of one further count of sexual assault, one count of attempted rape and one count of rape.

The offences relate to six victim-survivors. Three of them have spoken out, reflecting on their experience and encouraging other victims of sexual offences to come forward.

One victim-survivor said:

“Speaking out about sexual violence is not easy. It can feel overwhelming, frightening, and at times isolating. However, I hope that by coming forward, I have shown that it is possible to be heard and that what happened matters.

“I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence to know that they are not alone, and that support is available. Reporting what happened can feel daunting, but there are people who will listen and take you seriously.

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the Metropolitan Police for their professionalism, support, and dedication throughout this investigation. Their efforts have made a significant difference during an incredibly difficult time.”

Another victim-survivor added:

“The support I received made a real difference in helping me feel safe throughout the process. My previous experience left me unsure about coming forward, so to feel listened to and supported by a great team this time around meant a lot. Seeing Ross accountable is an important moment for me, and I hope it encourages others who have experienced something similar to feel able to speak up and seek support.”

A further victim-survivor shared:

“Ross was finally charged around June 2022. Throughout the police investigation, although regularly updated, it has been a very long process. I hoped that he would have been honest and pleaded guilty to what he had done to me; but deep down I expected that he wouldn’t and this would mean attending court and giving evidence. This effectively caused me to put my life on hold.”

Davidson was initially arrested on 1 May 2019 at his home on the grounds of a separate offence for which he was not subsequently charged. However, his digital devices were seized at the point of the arrest. When examining the devices, officers uncovered multiple videos of Davidson raping and sexually assaulting victims, leading to him being charged with 17 sexual offences on 24 June 2022 including one rape.

Following the proactive identification of victims featured in the recovered footage, and further victim-survivors coming forward after media coverage of the initial charges, officers received additional reports. On 6 July 2024, he was charged with a further three counts of serious sexual offending.

Detective Constable Kamila Kedadrova, who was part of investigation team, said:

“I am incredibly grateful for the continued support from victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has undoubtably aided today’s outcome.

“Our dedicated team of officers, who identified, contacted, and provided support to victims, have handled the case with sensitivity and thoroughness over the past six years.

“The Met remains committed to securing justice for victims of sexual offences, no matter when they occurred. Over the past five years, we have more than tripled arrests and charges for rape and serious sexual offences.

“Today’s outcome reflects our mission of taking all reports seriously, while ensuring victims are treated with the upmost respect and care.”

One victim-survivor reported to police that in 2013 Davidson sexually assaulted and raped her after an evening together. Davidson raped her, ignoring her cries for him to stop, all of which he recorded on his phone.

The second and third victim-survivors were identified after recorded footage was discovered by police following Davidson’s initial arrest. The separate recordings showed both victims being sexually assaulted in their sleep.

The fourth victim-survivor came forward in January 2023, after recognising Davidson’s name in the news. She reported that she had woken up to find herself being raped by Davidson, while staying with him at an address in London in March 2015. Working with the victim to record her statement, officers were able to evidence she had been assaulted.

The fifth victim-survivor was traced by Met detectives who were able to identify the woman. After specially trained officers contacted the victim, she was supported to make a report which detailed further offences, including an attempted rape while she was sleeping.

Julie Currie, Victim Navigator Programme Manager at Justice & Care, a charity which offers support for victims of exploitation who are pursuing justice, said:

“Survivors of sexual violence face immense barriers to seeking justice, from fear and intimidation to prolonged court delays. This conviction is a testament to the bravery of the survivors and to the importance of specialist, traumainformed support that prioritises safety, choice and dignity at every stage of the justice process.”

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A man who exposed himself to multiple women on a London train, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) handed to him less than two weeks prior has been jailed, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Ayman Yanoussi, 21, and of St Johns Road in Newham, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 16 April to 14 months’ imprisonment having previously pleaded guilty to two counts of exposure, breaching his SHPO, and possessing cannabis.

The court heard how on 28 December 2025, at 11.20am, Yanoussi was at Upminster Bridge Underground station sat on a bench on the platform.

A woman who walked up the platform noticed that Yanoussi was sat with his trousers by his ankles while touching himself inappropriately.

She took out her phone to record what he was doing to pass on to police, but he quickly pulled his trousers up and hid behind a pillar. He then boarded a District Line train heading towards Wimbledon.

Not long after he boarded the train, Yanoussi sat next to another woman and pulled his trousers down. After that woman moved away, Yanoussi sat opposite another woman, again exposing himself to her before she moved away.

Yanoussi repeated this behaviour a third time, sitting next to another woman and exposing himself as the train approached Elm Park at which point several of the women who Yanoussi had targeted left the train.

Yanoussi continued to expose himself on different trains across London while occasionally touching himself inappropriately until 12.51pm when a woman reported his behaviour to a member of staff.

The train Yanoussi was on was held at Hammersmith Underground station, and Yanoussi quickly fled the station.

A BTP officer was dispatched to the station and found Yanoussi waiting at a bus stop where he was promptly arrested for exposure. 

After being detained, it emerged that Yanoussi had been handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order less than two weeks earlier after he was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, having pleaded guilty to three counts of Upskirting that occurred in April 2024.

While on the way to custody, Yanoussi began to slam his head against the wall of the custody van stating that he regretted his actions and that he was "taking the L".

BTP Detective Constable Ian Hourihan said:

"Yanoussi's actions that day were despicable. He sought sexual gratification on the railway at the expense of dozens of women and other commuters.

"I am pleased to see him put behind bars, and would like to commend the bravery of the women who came forward to report his actions and support our investigation so we could secure justice. We believe that other women may have been targeted by Yanoussi that day, and I want to encourage them to come forward and report their experiences so we can secure justice for them too.

"If you've witnessed something similar or see any sexual offending on the railway network, I urge you to report it to us by discreetly texting 61016. We take every report seriously, and officers can be dispatched to intercept trains and arrest offenders.”

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A rapist who planned to flee the country after attacking a young woman has been jailed thanks to the rapid work of Met Police investigators.

Hassan Alsarout, 22 (23.12.2003), Brazilian national of no fixed abode, raped the victim in a secluded area on Euston Road in the early hours of 9 October 2025.

The victim reported the rape and following her detailed account, officers acted immediately to secure critical evidence including CCTV and digital records.

Detectives established the suspect had fled London to the West Midlands and launched a national man hunt. Officers successfully located Alsarout at an address in Coventry where it was discovered that he was planning to flee to Denmark the next day.

Less than 24 hours after the attack he was arrested and taken into custody and pleaded guilty to rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 20 February.

Today, Tuesday 21 April, he was sentenced to 5 Years and 7 Months and placed on the sex offenders register for life. He will be deported from the UK following his sentence.

DCI Paul Ridley said:

“I want to commend the victim for her bravery and resilience in coming forward and supporting the investigation. Her evidence was crucial in bringing this offender to justice and preventing harm to other women across the country.

“My investigation team acted with absolute urgency to identify, locate and arrest Alsarout. Their determined efforts stopped him fleeing the United Kingdom and ensured he was brought to justice.

“This case shows the Metropolitan Police’s tireless efforts to tackle violence against women and girls through a proactive approach that puts victims first and ensures they are fully supported by specialist teams throughout.”

Officers were quickly able to identify the suspect and corroborate the victim’s account through detailed CCTV and digital analysis which uncovered a phone call that Alsarout had made shortly after the attack.

Officers also recovered evidence proving Alsarout attempted to destroy forensic evidence by immediately washing his clothes. This provided further corroboration of his guilt.

Alsarout was arrested 10 October 2025 less than 24 hours after the offence, showcasing the investigation team’s rapid and effective intervention which stopped a dangerous criminal fleeing the country.

The suspect was brought into custody, interviewed, and charged within hours.

Dedicated rape and serious sexual offence teams, supported by specialist officers, worked closely with the victim to ensure she was supported throughout the investigation.

The Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting offenders to secure justice for victims of sexual violence.

As part of the Met’s victimcentred approach, bespoke training has been rolled out to 23,000 officers and staff, strengthening investigations into rape and serious sexual offences and improving support for victims.

This has contributed to charge rates for rape more than tripling, and increased reporting shows more survivors feel able to report offences.

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A sex offender who filmed upskirting videos of more than 20 victims during one evening in Soho has been jailed.

James Manchand was spotted by officers on Friday, 16 January repeatedly pacing along queues outside busy West End venues.

The plain-clothed officers initially suspected he was scouting for potential thefts and began to monitor him more closely.

Uniformed officers stepped in to conduct a search when Manchand continued to hover around groups of young women.

After providing his details, police checks revealed that Manchand was a known offender with an active Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for a previous voyeurism offence. Under the order, he was required to hand over his phone and unlock it for inspection.

On opening the device, officers immediately discovered 29 videos involving more than 20 victims - all filmed that same evening in Soho. He was arrested at the scene.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 10 April, Manchand, 62 (04.11.63), of Phoenix Street, Camden, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment, and was ordered to forfeit a laptop and mobile phone.

He was also sentenced for a breach of his SHPO in December. Manchand was stopped by Met officers during a Live Facial Recognition Operation on Tottenham Court Road who found him to be using Virtual Private Network software allowing him to erase cookies and browsing history - both explicitly prohibited under his SHPO.

Detective Constable Sam Pearson, who led the investigation, said:

“Manchand’s predatory behaviour was calculated, persistent and showed a complete disregard for the women he targeted.

“Thanks to the vigilance and quick instincts of officers on patrol, we were able to intervene before he could continue offending and recover clear evidence that he had committed multiple voyeurism offences in a single evening.

“No one should have to worry about being violated in this way while simply enjoying a night out. We will continue to act swiftly and decisively against anyone who poses a threat to women and girls.”

The officers who caught Manchand were deployed under Operation Martello, which targets theft and pickpocketing hotspots across the West End. As part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG), officers also proactively identify predatory behaviour in the nighttime economy.

The Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting sexual offenders to secure justice for victims. To date, 23,000 officers and staff have received new, bespoke VAWG training, strengthening investigative skills and improving support for victims.

Commander Clair Kelland, the Met’s public protection lead, said:

“Voyeurism can take many forms, but at its core it is a blatant intrusion into someone’s privacy, often carried out in crowded or busy places where victims may not immediately realise what has happened.

“There is absolutely no excuse for this behaviour. Whether motivated by sexual gratification or a desire to cause humiliation, distress or alarm, voyeurism is always deeply unsettling for those targeted.

“We also want to encourage bystanders to look out for one another. If you see someone behaving in a way that feels predatory or attempting to film under clothing, please report it to officers or venue staff straight away. Your quick action could prevent someone from being targeted.”

Manchand was charged on 17 January with:

• Recording an image under clothing to observe another without consent in relation to the Soho offences.
• Two counts of breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order on 10 December 2025.

The breakdown of Manchand’s sentence is as follows:

12 months’ imprisonment for each of two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, to run concurrently.

Four months’ imprisonment for recording images under clothing, to run consecutively.

A further four months’ imprisonment which formed part of a previously suspended sentence, was also activated by the court to run consecutively.