Graveyard Rapist Convicted Of Copycat Sex Attacks

A double rapist, who pounced on a second victim in a copycat attack while on bail for the first offence, is facing years behind bars.

James Isted, 27, (pictured) of Tintagel Road, Orpington stalked his victims, aged 17 and 27 year-old from behind – hitting the first over the head and threatening the second with a knife.

Both attacks ocurred in Church Hill, Orpington on September 30, 2011 and May 7, last year respectively.

Isted was convicted of two counts of rape and robbery against the women and assaulting a police officer on May 7 and will be sentenced on February 7.

Croydon Crown Court heard the first rape ocurred at 2.40am when the defendant struck the teenage girl from behind and dragged her into the graveyard of All Saints Church.

She was subjected to a harrowing and lengthy ordeal and Isted left with her handbag, which contained a mobile phone and other personal items.

Isted was arrested a few days later on October 4 and was on bail pending further enquiries when he struck again.

This time he approached the victim from behind at 1.30pm – threatened her with a knife – and raped her in the graveyard.

This time a witness reported the daylight attack and Isted was arrested by police after a short chase in possession of the victim's bank card and jewellery, including her engagement ring.

Detective Inspector Faye Churchyard, of the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “Isted has shown a total disregard for both victims in this case, forcing them to re-live their ordeal by pleading not guilty to the offences.

“Both victims have shown immense courage in attending court and facing their attacker.

“I hope their determination and success in seeing him convicted will go some way in providing them with some closure.

“I believe there may be other victims who have not come forward and I urge them or any victim of rape to tell the police what happened to them.

“Specially trained officers together with our partners are here to support you throughout the process."



Anyone with information they believe may assist police is asked to call 020 8721 4614. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.