Night Bus Rapist Caged

A rapist who preyed on a drunken woman who fell asleep on a night bus – groping her before taking her back to his flat – has been locked-up for seven years.

Ecuadorian student Juan Calderon, 32, of Kidderpore Avenue, Hampstead pushed his hand inside the woman's jeans before leading her off the bus in the early hours.

The Kings College London student was convicted at the Old Bailey of rape and assault by penetration after a five-day trial.

The woman, aged in her thirties, had enjoyed a saturday night out drinking with friends and boarded the N13 bus at 2.00am on October 26, last year.

Calderon, who was also on the bus, sat down next to the victim and within a minute of doing so, sexually assaulted her by putting his hand down her jeans.

The victim has no recollection of the events on the bus or going back to Calderon's flat.

Her first recollection is of Calderon raping her and her saying no, and trying unsuccessfully to push him off her.

The victim then left, went home and called police.

Detective Constable Jacqui Burns from the Met's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "Calderon took advantage of a vulnerable woman who had been on a night out.

“As she travelled home, he sexually assaulted her, took her back to his home and raped her.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her courage and bravery in coming forward and I am pleased that he is now behind bars.

“I would encourage other victims of this type of crime to come forward, whatever their circumstances."

Detective Inspector Neil Rawlinson said: "The streets of London are that little bit safer now that Calderon has been imprisoned.

“He targeted a vulnerable woman and I want to assure the public that we will pursue all such offenders and bring them to justice.

“I would encourage anyone who has suffered in this way to report the matter to the police in the knowledge that they will be fully supported."