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Eastbourne man Richard Bennett, 46, has been jailed for 18 years for rape, assault and abusive offences against a woman known to him.

On 5 February the victim reported that Bennett, of Lower Willingdon, had become increasingly controlling, lying about being a police informant to keep the victim in fear and preventing her from seeking help and support.

She reported that at times he would strangle her, assault her and threatened to kill her. She reported that she was subject to years of sexual abuse.

She was petrified of him but built up the courage to flee from him.

After the report to police the victim was safeguarded and given support by specialist officers.

Bennett handed himself in on 11 February and on 12 February he was charged with rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, coercive controlling behaviour and strangulation and was remanded into custody.

On 11 August at Lewes Crown Court, he was convicted after being found guilty of rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, coercive controlling behaviour and strangulation.

On 18 September, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Detective Constable Marc Thomas said:

The victim had suffered years of abuse at the hands of Bennett, who impacted every part of her life, isolating her and forcing her to stay indoors as his behaviour became more threatening.

She has been strong in supporting this investigation and it thanks to her that Bennett is now behind bars.

Record details

A man from Crewe has been jailed for sexually, physically and emotionally abusing two women.

Jacob Evans appeared at Chester Crown Court on Monday 12 October, where he was handed a 21-year sentence – consisting of 15 years imprisonment and six years remaining on extended licence.

Evans, of French Lane, Baddington, had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of rape and sexual assault by penetration.

The 22-year-old had also pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing actual bodily harm, two counts of making threats with a bladed weapon and two counts of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

The court heard that between 2021 and 2025 Evans had abused two different women.

Both women reported to police that the 22-year-old had physically assaulted them and threatened them both with violence on multiple occasions. One of the women went on to tell officers that she had even been threatened with a knife by Evans.

The victims in this case also disclosed that they had been raped by Evans a number of times as well as having been forced to engage in other sexualised activity under the threat of violence.

Alongside the physical violence and sexual assaults, Evans also emotionally manipulated the women, verbally degraded them and went through their phones.

One woman reported that Evans bullied her into letting him drive her car, despite not being insured. He also forced her to sell her own belongings in order to buy him sports clothing, alcohol and a brand-new iPhone and Apple watch. Shortly after being given the devices, he sold them and kept the money for himself.

Evans was arrested and interviewed twice after both victims came forward to disclose the offences. Following his initial arrest, he told officers under caution that he “wasn’t worried” about the allegations made against him.

Despite denying any wrongdoing and providing no comment answers in interviews with officers, Evans was subsequently charged and remanded in custody. He would change his pleas to guilty on the first day of trial.

Alongside his custodial sentence, Evans was also handed an indefinite restraining order against both women.

Detective Constable Toby Hills, of Crewe Reactive CID, said:

“The two women at the centre of this investigation have been subjected to a torrent of abuse by an individual who thought he could hold power over and manipulate them both without facing any form of consequence.

“Despite bearing the brunt of an onslaught of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, these two women bravely came forward to prevent their abuser from harming anyone else. This investigation required them to relive their trauma, which I know would not have been an easy task for them, so I would like to extend my most profound thanks to them both for their courage, bravery and willpower shown throughout this entire case.

“What has been uncovered over the course of this emotionally challenging investigation is that Jacob Evans is an extremely volatile individual who poses a serious risk to women. I am very glad to see the court also saw this and has handed him a considerable custodial sentence, meaning he will have plenty of time to reflect on the consequences of his deplorable behaviour.

“Even when he is eventually released from prison, Evans will be under constant supervision on a six-year extended licence period and will be the subject of an indefinite restraining order requiring him to remain on his best behaviour, or face returning to a prison cell.”

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The owner of a martial arts club has been jailed for raping a woman at his studio in Reading.

Juan Miguel Figueroa-Ball, aged 44, of Long Acre Close, Canterbury, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on 8 October after being convicted of rape.

He was also made subject to a restraining order for 10 years and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

A jury found Figueroa-Ball guilty of one count of rape following a six-day trial at Reading Crown Court. He was convicted on 25 August.

The offence took place on 21 July 2023 at Ceres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Richfield Avenue, Reading.

Figueroa-Ball had offered the victim a free one-to-one introductory session at his studio, when he took advantage of getting her alone. During a Ju-Jitsu roll, Figueroa-Ball attacked the victim and raped her.

Investigating officer Temporary Detective Sergeant Jennifer Cox, of Thames Valley Police’s Harm Reduction Unit, said:

“This was a traumatic offence which has had a lasting impact on the victim. Throughout a lengthy investigation and trial process spanning more than three years, she showed remarkable courage and resilience.

“By reading her Victim Personal Statement in open court herself, she demonstrated immense bravery and dignity. Her courage and determination to see this case through has helped ensure the offender was held accountable for his actions.

“Violence against women and girls remains a priority for Thames Valley Police. We are committed to thoroughly investigating offences of this nature, supporting victims, and bringing offenders before the courts.

“I hope this conviction reassures victims that they will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported throughout the criminal justice process. I would also like to thank the investigators, specialist staff and our criminal justice partners whose dedication has helped secure this outcome.”

Figueroa-Ball was acquitted of one count of sexual assault in relation to the same incident.

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A rapist who subjected his victim to a sustained campaign of sexual abuse and stalking has been jailed for more than 18 years.

Tommy Eastwood, 26, of Dering Way, Gravesend, was convicted of multiple rapes and stalking offences following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

In December 2024, the victim reported that over a period of 8 years Eastwood had subjected her to stalking, as well as coercive and controlling behaviours.

An investigation was launched and Eastwood was arrested.

During the investigation, the victim further disclosed numerous sexual assaults over the same period.

On each occasion, Eastwood attended the victims home address in Gravesend where he forced her to endure repeated sexual abuse.

Officers then rearrested Eastwood in April 2025.

Charged

He denied the allegations but was later charged, and on 14 April 2026 was found guilty of 2 counts of rape, 1 count of sexual assault, stalking and engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour.

On Friday 2 October Eastwood was sentenced to 18 years and 6 months imprisonment.

Investigating officer Detective Constable David Brown said:

‘Eastwood repeatedly targeted his victim in her own home causing untold distress and trauma over a prolonged period.

‘Her bravery and determination in coming forward and reporting this abuse is immeasurable.

‘Through a thorough and intricate investigation, we were able to secure this significant custodial sentence, which I hope provides some closure for the victim and allows her to move forward with her life.’

Record details

A man has pleaded guilty to 19 child sexual offences at Drayton Manor Theme Park.

Josef Luke Hammond, 24, of Birmingham, appeared at Stafford Crown Court yesterday (Monday 12 October) and admitted 19 counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching. 

Hammond was a ride operator at Drayton Manor when the offences took place. He was first brought to our attention in August 2024 after a girl told her parent that Hammond had touched her inappropriately.  

After flagging this with staff at the theme park, CCTV was reviewed and Hammond was immediately sent home, and the police were informed. On the same day, the suspect was arrested and brought in for questioning.  

Following an investigation, we found that Hammond had sexually assaulted 19 victims. 

Faced with the overwhelming evidence in court, Hammond was left with no choice but to admit to all of the offences. 

He has now been bailed ahead of his sentencing date at Stafford Crown Court on 11 December.

Detective Inspector Vanessa Furnival, from our child protection team, said:

“I’d like to recognise the bravery of the victims in this case who have all shown immense courage in coming forward and supporting us with our efforts to secure this outcome today. 

“I’d also like to recognise the rapid response from staff at Drayton Manor, who immediately removed Hammond from his duties. While we’re pleased to secure this conviction, we would advise any parents or guardians who think their child may have been a victim to get in touch with the police directly.”   

Hammond was a ride operator from March 2024 to August 2024. 

Record details

A woman who had sexual activity with a teenage boy has been jailed following an investigation by detectives.

Clare Louise Townsend, aged 37 and of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child on Friday 10 April 2026. She was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on Monday 12 October 2026 to three years and nine months in prison and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for ten years.

Townsend was also given a five-year restraining order and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

The defendant met the victim, who was aged 15 at the time, around late October 2024. Over the following months, Townsend supplied class A drugs to him, including cocaine and MDMA. 

The defendant had sexual activity with the victim on at least ten occasions.

In February 2026, Townsend was located in an insecure warehouse in Sherborne and arrested.

Detective Constable Holly Spillman, of Dorset County Safeguarding Hub, said:

"Once concerns were raised about the relationship between Townsend and the victim, an investigation into serious sexual offences commenced. With vital assistance from Dorset Council’s Child Protection Team, we were able to gain the support of the victim and safeguard him and his family from further harm.

"The actions of Townsend have had a long-lasting and significant impact on the victim, who is now trying to recover from the trauma and re-build the childhood that was taken from him.

"I would like to commend the bravery and resilience of this young man in coming forward and telling us what happened to him.

"Also, I would like to personally thank Corinne Chapman of the Wessex RASSO Unit, Crown Prosecution Service, and the social worker involved for their input throughout this investigation. The assistance and support they provided has been vital in achieving this outcome. 

"I hope this outcome will provide other victims with the courage and strength to come forward, and reassurance that they will be listened to, believed and protected from harm."

Record details

We can confirm that a man has been jailed for 23 years for non-recent sex offences.

Daniel Scott Ingram, 38, of Beckwith Street, in Birkenhead, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today (Monday 12 October) after being found guilty of 13 counts of rape and five counts of sexual assault. 

Ingram committed his offences against a girl between 2000 and 2014.

He was sentenced to 23 years in prison with a further seven years on extended licence. Ingram was also given a lifetime restraining order, an indefinite Sex Offender Notification order and ordered to pay a victim's surcharge and collection order.

See below for an extract from the woman’s Victim Personal Statement:

“It’s extremely difficult to put into words how this has all impacted me because 99% of the time I try to put it in a box in the back of my mind and pretend it wasn’t me. Denial has been my automatic response for so long because facing the reality was just too hard. I hoped that if I buried my thoughts deep enough, they’d go away but what you did to me is unfortunately never far away.

“You were a monster. You groomed me. You manipulated me. You exploited my trust and preyed on my innocence and vulnerability to make me into the perfect play thing that you could manipulate as you pleased. You stole my innocence from me.

“I’ve come to realise that there’s no escape from your own mind and I’m emotionally exhausted being forever on my guard, not being able to allow myself to enjoy things for fear that something might happen. Even those moments that are meant to fill you with joy, mine are mostly filled with fear. You have not only taken away my childhood, but you also continue to take away parts of my adult life.

“This is the first step of my healing because I have faced you and made people aware of what kind of monster you are.”

Detective Constable Robert Sandham said:

“Ingram is clearly a dangerous and calculated individual who committed the offences over a period of several years.

“He thought he could get away with it, deny what happened and force the victim to go through the ordeal of a trial. Thankfully, a jury saw through his lies and today he begins a lengthy prison sentence for his deprived actions. I sincerely hope that his sentencing can bring some comfort to the woman who is still living with the trauma to this day.

“With these types of investigations, our specialist team is here to support victims with sensitivity and compassion, every step of the way, from the initial report through to court proceedings. I would continue to urge anyone who is a victim of any form of sexual abuse to please report this to police, or through our partner agencies.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously, and in addition, work with partner organisations such as Victim care Support Service and RASA who are there to support victims of this crime.”

Record details

A teenager who met a girl at a busy train station and raped her in the toilets has been jailed for five years.  

The conviction follows a thorough investigation led by British Transport Police (BTP) detectives from its Major, Serious and Organised Crime (MSOC) team.

Tommi Harwood, 18, and of Andersons, Stanford-le-Hope, was found guilty of Rape following a five-day trial.

On Friday 9 October at Snaresbrook Crown Court, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment. He was also handed an indefinite restraining order and an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

The court heard that on 5 September 2024, Harwood, aged 16 at the time, was messaging the 16-year-old victim on Snapchat and told her his name was “Bobby”.

During the conversation it was mentioned that she was on a train, and Harwood asked to meet her at Romford station.

The train pulled into the station at just after 8pm and he met her on the platform.

He then led her into a waiting room and repeatedly asked her to check if anyone was in the women’s toilets.

After a short while she went to use the toilet, but Harwood followed and raped her.

They returned to the platform and he told the victim, “If we see police, run across the tracks”.

The victim bravely reported what happened to her and met with BTP detectives the following day.

A manhunt was launched to track down Harwood, but initial efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.

That was until BTP officers spotted him at Basildon station on 25 October where he was stopped by rail staff for travelling without a valid ticket.

He was promptly arrested and taken to police custody to be interviewed.

The victim’s detailed account twinned with forensic and CCTV evidence resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorising the rape charge.

BTP Detective Constable Ross McAlpine said:

“The young victim has shown tremendous courage, not only by speaking up and reporting what happened to her, but by supporting our enquiries and the court proceedings that followed.

“She has been supported throughout our investigation by specialist officers, and I hope the fact her attacker is now behind bars brings her some sense of justice.

“Harwood’s attack was premeditated and frankly abhorrent. Through his actions, he has shown that he poses a very real threat to women and girls.

“Tackling sexual offending is a top priority for us at BTP. I would urge anyone who experiences or witnesses this offending to report it to us by texting 61016 or dialling 999 in an emergency.

“Just as we have in this case, we’ll stop at nothing to put dangerous sex offenders before the courts.”

Record details

A man who previously served a prison sentence for child sexual offences in Tamworth has been jailed again after failing to comply with his Sex Offender Register requirements.

On Friday (2 October), Danny Richardson, 34, of Atherstone, Warwickshire, was sentenced to one-year-and-four-months in prison at Stafford Crown Court after admitting six counts of failing to comply with Sex Offender Register notification requirements, two counts of supplying false information in purported compliance with a notification requirement and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) / interim SHPO.

Officers interviewed Richardson in 2024 after responding to intelligence that he had not provided accurate information relating to where he lived and visited.

He also used an alias, opened a new bank account and had access to a second mobile phone, which he did not tell police about.

Officers brought him in for questioning, leading to the charges and his further jail term.

Police Offender Manager, Sonia Wiseman, from our Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders team (MOSOVO), said:

“This outcome is welcomed and sends a clear message that breaches of Sex Offender Notification Requirements will not be tolerated in Staffordshire.

“We remain committed to active, robust management of registered sex offenders, intervening promptly where risks are identified and bring those individuals back through the court system.”

Record details

A man has been jailed for more than nine years after admitting non-recent sexual offences against three children in Somerset and Devon. 

Colin Butcher, 61, of Whitebeam Grove, Dunkeswell, in Devon, was sentenced at Taunton Crown Court, sitting at Worle, for eight indecent assaults against children under the age of 14 yesterday (Thursday 8 October).

Butcher was sentenced to nine years and three months’ imprisonment.  He must serve a minimum of six years and six months before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.  Following any release, he will remain subject to licence conditions for the remainder of his sentence, together with an additional one-year extended licence period imposed by the court.

His abuse occurred at the victims’ family home in Somerset and at his address in Dunkeswell, near Honiton, and included sexual touching, as well as digital penetration and causing his victims to touch him.  

After the victims reported the abuse as adults, Avon and Somerset Police launched a thorough investigation. The victims were supported throughout the investigation and offered access to specialist support services.

The abuse suffered by the victims has had a lasting impact on their lives, as detailed in victim personal statements that were read to the court.

The first victim stated:

“When the abuse happened to me, I had blocked much of it out and believed I was the only one affected and was going to take it to my grave.

“Then, I was made aware that others had also experienced the same abuse by the same man. This makes me feel physically sick and has had a significant emotional impact on me, which I have found extremely difficult to process.

“I hope he spends a long time in prison.”

The second victim stated:

“For too long, I buried this secret, a secret which should have never been mine to carry. I should have never grown up carrying this fear, worry, shame, or a loss of self-worth.

“What happened to me changed the way I saw myself and the way I saw the world. It took away parts of my childhood that I can never get back.

“I cannot change what happened to me, but I can finally use my voice to acknowledge it. And as a mother, one of the most important things I can do is ensure that my children grow up knowing that they are safe, that their voices matter, and that they will always be listened to and believed.”

The third victim stated:

“Colin Butcher sexually abused me, and I have carried the consequences of his actions throughout my life. It has affected my wellbeing, my relationships, and my sense of safety.

“Colin, I am not here today to give you the satisfaction of hearing how deeply your actions have affected me. But I will say this; what you did was never forgotten, never acceptable, and it has shaped my life in ways you will never fully understand.”

Butcher was arrested in July 2023 and convicted of the offences on Monday 17 August 2026, which he initially denied, but he eventually pleaded guilty at trial.

In addition to receiving a custodial sentence, the court also imposed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), and the defendant will remain subject to lifetime sex offender notification requirements.

While sentencing Butcher, Judge Shepherd told the defendant:

“You have had a devastating impact on their lives and that will sit with you forever.”

We are releasing an image of Butcher from around the time of his offending and would encourage anyone who may have been affected by his behaviour to come forward. Victims of sexual offences will be listened to and supported, regardless of how long ago the offending took place.

Detective Constable Joe Lewis, from our Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the officer in the case (OIC), said:

“Butcher exploited the trust placed in him to sexually abuse young girls over a prolonged period.

“His actions caused significant and lasting harm to the victims, who have carried the impact of this offending for many years. I would like to commend the victims for the courage, strength, and dignity they have shown throughout this investigation.

“The abuse they suffered has had a profound and lasting impact on their lives. I hope today’s sentencing provides them with some sense of closure and enables them to continue moving forward. Their bravery in coming forward has helped ensure that Butcher is now being held accountable for the harm he caused.

The dignity and courage shown by the victims throughout this investigation and at court have been remarkable.

“We would also like to hear from other potential victims of Butcher and assure them they will be believed, supported and a thorough investigation will be conducted, no matter how long ago the offending happened.”

Record details

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl while working as a police officer in the 1970s has been jailed.

Barry Grummett was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 9 October) after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault on 1 October following a trial.

The 86-year-old worked as an officer for Leicestershire Constabulary between September 1970 and October 1981.

In 1977, he attended the girl's address to check on her as she had not gone to school. While alone in her house in Leicestershire, he raped her. He visited her on further occasions over an 18-month period, when he touched her inappropriately.

Grummett sexually assaulted the second victim, who was an adult at the time, at an address in the late 1970s when he touched her inappropriately while they were alone. He was not understood to have been on duty at the time.

His crimes were first reported to Leicestershire Police in 2023 and he attended a voluntary interview, during which he denied the allegations.

Grummett, of Loughborough Road in Hathern, was jailed for a total of 10 years.

Detective Inspector Amanda Boswell, from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU), said:

"The force takes reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and will always work to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"Grummett was working as a police officer - a position that carries great responsibility and trust. Taking advantage of and abusing that role for sexual gratification will simply not be tolerated.

"Both victims must be commended for coming forward and providing evidence in front of a jury that has resulted in him finally being brought to justice for what he did nearly 50 years ago.

"I hope this outcome provides them with a degree of closure and allows them to move on with their lives as best they can.

"I would also encourage any other victims of non-recent sexual abuse - either at the hands of Grummett or by someone else - to come forward and also seek justice. Please be reassured that it's never too late to speak out."

Record details

A man has today, 9 October 2026, been imprisoned after being found guilty of a series of offences.

Jake Mattinson-Smith, 26, from Cleator Moor, was today, sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

He admitted sexual activity and sexual assault against a teenage girl, sexual assault against a child under 13 and false imprisonment, assault and criminal damage on an adult.

He also admitted making indecent images of children and assaulting an emergency worker.

Mattinson-Smith was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and restraining orders against the victims.

Detective Linzi Wilkinson said:

“I would like to commend all the victims in this case, for their resilience during the entire investigation.

“Mattinson-Smith subjected his victims to multiple incidents of abuse.

“Today he faces the consequences of his actions.

“I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward.

“Cumbria Police are committed to bringing perpetrators to justice and we will do everything in our power to hold them accountable for their crimes.“

Record details

Former Merseyside Police officer Carl Edwards jailed for misconduct involving vulnerable teenager and sex workers

Carl Edwards, 37, of Sunflower Close, Woodchurch, Wirral, has been jailed for 15 months at Chester Crown Court. He was convicted in July of three counts of misconduct in a public office and two data protection offences.

During a welfare check in December 2023 on a high-risk 17-year-old who had just returned after being reported missing, Edwards spent 90 minutes alone with her in a bedroom. He did not activate his body-worn camera. The teenager later told a support worker that he made her feel uncomfortable by attempting to touch her, offering her a drag on his vape, and asking if he could pick her up after work. He showed her pictures of the car he would use and made sexual comments about what he wanted to do with her.

An IOPC-directed investigation by Merseyside Police’s Anti-Corruption Unit, which began in April 2024 after reports of an “officer called Carl” regularly attending the Sheil Road area of Kensington in Liverpool (an area frequented by sex workers), also established that Edwards had contact with at least two sex workers while on duty between June 2022 and December 2023. One said he flirted with her from a marked police vehicle, asked how much she charged, turned up unannounced outside her home, and often passed her on the street. The other reported that when she approached him about an assault, he asked if she would take part in group sex with another woman for money instead of investigating the offence.

Edwards also searched police systems for information on a Wirral organised crime group without any policing purpose. He resigned before a misconduct hearing that would have resulted in his dismissal for gross misconduct.

Amanda Rowe of the IOPC said the offending was:

“a deliberate and prolonged pattern of criminal behaviour which seemed to only escalate over time and culminated with his abhorrent actions when visiting a vulnerable girl who would have undoubtedly placed trust in him at the time.” 

She described the 17-year-old and the adult women as “brave,” noting that their accounts helped uncover further offences.

Det Ch Supt Sabi Kaur said:

“In abusing his position of trust with victims of crimes in pursuit of his own gratification, Edwards behaviour was nothing short of abhorrent.”

This account is based on reported details of the conviction, investigation, and court outcome.

Record details

A man has been handed a 22-year sentence after admitting child sexual abuse against multiple victims.

Kevin Bostock, aged 66, of Uttoxeter, was handed a 19-year jail term with an extended licence period of three years, at Stafford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 8 October), after admitting four counts of rape of a child and one count of sexual assault of a child.

Bostock’s offending first came to light when one victim came forward in the 2010s, with further victims making similar reports more recently, enabling officers to present additional evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, who then agreed to charge Bostock over the case.

He continued to deny wrongdoing during his interviews, despite the extensive detail the victims were able to provide about him, as well as what had happened to them over a number of years.

Though he initially pleaded not guilty to the offences, Bostock went on to admit five of the charges on the second day of his trial in July this year.

Along with his lengthy prison term, Bostock was ordered to meet Sex Offender Notification Requirements for life and made subject of a number of restraining orders to protect the victims.

Speaking following sentencing, Detective Sergeant Sophie Boden and Detective Constable Sophie Smart, both of our Child Protection Team, who worked on the case, said:

“Bostock subjected his victims to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse that has caused immeasurable long-term distress to them.

“We would like to commend the victims and survivors’ immeasurable bravery that they have shown throughout the police investigation and court process.

“Their strength, determination and faith in us as officers has helped us to ensure that a truly dangerous sex offender has been jailed for a significant period of time and as a result, he will no longer be a risk to other children and the wider public.

“We hope that the sentence gives the victims’ chance to continue to recover from what they have been through and demonstrates to the public that it doesn’t matter how long ago the abuse happened, as soon as you report it to us, you will be believed, you will be supported, and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Record details

A man has been found guilty of raping a woman in Catford, as detectives appeal for further potential victim-survivors to come forward.

Melbourne Thompson, 41 (10.02.1985), of Hengist Road, Eltham, was convicted of rape, and robbery at the Old Bailey on Friday, 9 October. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 4 December.

It follows an extensive Met investigation, which was launched after police were called at 06:55hrs on Sunday, 12 April by a bus driver. He reported that a woman had boarded his bus on Brownhill Road, Catford, and initially disclosed that she had been the victim of a robbery.

The woman told officers that she had been on her way to work when she was followed by an unknown man. He had shouted at her to stop then continued following her, despite her telling him that she did not want to speak to him.

He punched her to the head and threatened he had a gun. When she tried to shout for help he covered her mouth and dragged her into a side alleyway off Minard Road, where he orally raped her. Following the ordeal, he stole her phone from her jacket pocket.

The victim-survivor was taken to a specialist Haven sexual assault referral centre. She continues to be supported by specialist officers.

Her stolen mobile phone was tracked to an area around 30 minutes’ walk from where the incident took place – and four minutes from Thompson’s home.

Thompson was a registered sex offender, convicted in 2005 of indecent assault on a woman two years earlier, and the attack in Catford matched his previous offending pattern.

A police officer, tasked with monitoring registered sex offenders and who had previously monitored Thompson after his conviction in 2005, was able to identify him from CCTV showing him with the victim.

Thompson was arrested on Tuesday, 28 April and charged to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 29 April, when he was remanded in custody.

Following this, officers have been working to identify whether Thompson could be responsible for other sexual assaults.

While no offences have been identified so far, officers believe there may be more victim-survivors who are yet to come forward.

Detective Constable Charlie Lockett, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said:

“I want to pay tribute to the victim-survivor for reporting this unimaginably distressing incident.

“My team and I are working tirelessly to tackle violence against women and girls through victim-led approaches that ensure survivors are supported by specialist officers throughout investigations.

“Thompson is a dangerous offender who targeted a lone woman as she walked to work early on a Sunday morning. I am pleased that the jury saw through his claim that he was not responsible for this appalling attack.

“The Met remains committed to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences.

“Any victim-survivors who come forward will be treated with dignity, compassion and sensitivity at every step of the way.”