Gordon: "Sexual Predator" |
A “sexual predator” has been jailed for a midnight attack on a lone woman, whose screams were heard by local residents.
William Gordon, 34, of Churchyard Row, Elephant and Castle molested the woman once and then chased and subjected her to further sexual assaults.
The victim was the forth woman he followed that night.
At the Old Bailey he was convicted of four counts of assault by penetration; two counts of common assault and one count of sexual assault.
Yesterday he was sentenced to thirteen years imprisonment.
The court heard that at approximately 0.15am on Tuesday, August 6, last year, Gordon followed the victim as she walked along Larcom Street to Charleston Street, near Elephant and Castle.
He sexually assaulted her for the first time, but when she managed to get away Gordon chased her to Cotham Street, where further assaults took place.
The court heard how throughout the attack the victim called out and continued to try and fight Gordon off.
Her cries alerted people in nearby houses to what was taking place and the police were called.
Gordon fled the scene.
Nightstalker: Gordon |
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central South Command Unit launched an investigation immediately.
A media appeal prompted a number of calls that identified Gordon.
He was arrested on Tuesday, August 20 and denied any involvement in the attack.
Detectives discovered that Gordon had followed three other lone women that same night in the lead up to the incident.
Officers also found that Gordon had followed a woman a week prior to carrying out this attack.
Detective Inspector Sharon Steel of the Central South Command Unit, said: “At every opportunity Gordon has failed to acknowledge any wrong-doing and has instead chosen to put both the victim and witnesses in this case through a full trial.
“William Gordon is a manipulative sexual predator who poses a serious danger to women and today the jury have rightfully convicted him.
“That night he was clearly targeting lone women before he carried out this prolonged attack.
“I would especially like to commend the bravery of the victim in this case, she has helped to make sure that this dangerous offender has been rightfully convicted on all seven counts.”