‘Dangerous’ man who tried to rape woman on London Underground pictured for first time

The predator pulled the woman to the floor after exposing himself to her

A “dangerous and predatory” man who tried to rape a woman as she travelled alone on the London Underground has been jailed. Vincent Saxon, 54, forced the female passenger to the floor of a Bakerloo line train from Waterloo after exposing himself to her at around 11.40pm on July 11.

The victim bravely fought back as the service reached Lambeth North, where she escaped and told station staff about the sick attack. Saxon stayed on the train before getting off at Elephant and Castle station and disappearing.

The British Transport Police (BTP) launched an urgent investigation, including online appeals that resulted in several people coming forward to police.

One anonymous caller rang to say that a man matching Saxon’s description was outside a shop on Fulham Palace Road, resulting in his arrest.

He pleaded guilty to the attempted rape at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, September 17.

Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah said: “First and foremost I would like to praise the victim for her bravery following what was clearly a terrifying ordeal. She was alone late at night when she was approached and attacked by Saxon without warning.

“She fought back ferociously against him before he fled. Her actions helped us recover vital forensic evidence that, along with our CCTV enquiries, would leave Saxon with no choice but to plead guilty.

“He is a dangerous and predatory offender and I’m pleased to see that we have secured justice for this brave victim, hopefully it will now be able to bring her some form of closure.”

Saxon, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on October 30.

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