London sex offender with life sentence for vicious attack on elderly woman

LONDON SEX OFFENDER WITH LIFE SENTENCE FOR VICIOUS ATTACK ON ELDERLY WOMAN

A dangerous sex predator identified as Anthony James Roberts, aged 41 from Holmbury Court, Tooting, was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to the brutal rape of an 81-year-old woman in south London.

The attack took place on Friday, February 10, when Roberts, who had been sitting beside the elderly victim on a bus, followed her after she disembarked at Balham High Road around 8:30pm.

He then threatened her with a knife, announcing that he would kill her if she made any noise, before dragging her to a secluded area and raping her.

He stole most of her clothing during the assault and then released her.

The victim, distressed and injured, returned home and sought medical treatment, and later cooperated with police.

Detectives tracked Roberts after a local police officer recognized him in the area and recovered the victim’s washed clothes from his home.

Roberts faced charges of two counts of rape and one count of kidnapping or false imprisonment with intent to carry out a sexual offence.

The police, led by DI Melissa Laremore of the Met’s special sex offences squad, described Roberts as 'a very dangerous offender who subjected the elderly victim to a vicious rape,' and noted that his arrest has made the public safer.

Roberts was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court to three concurrent life sentences for kidnap and two counts of rape, effectively ensuring he remains behind bars for life.

The victim’s bravery and cooperation played a key role in the successful prosecution.

The court's judgment aims to serve justice and protect others from such horrific crimes.