CHRISTOPHER ISKANDER FROM ISLEWORTH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD SEXUAL ATTACKS IN LONDON

In a disturbing series of events that shocked the local community and the wider London area, Christopher Iskander, a 26-year-old resident of Isleworth, was convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual assault of two young girls within a span of less than 24 hours. The incidents, which took place in February 2007, revealed a pattern of predatory behavior fueled by disturbing fantasies documented in Iskander’s personal diaries.

According to court reports, Iskander used a makeshift ladder labeled 'Stairway to Heaven' and was armed with a sawn-off shotgun marked 'Serial Killer' when he infiltrated the bedroom of a nine-year-old girl. During the assault, he produced a knife and subjected her to severe sexual abuse, coming dangerously close to rape. The young victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was so overwhelmed by the trauma that she managed to attend school the following day, only revealing the attack to her mother hours later. Prosecutor Simon Carr detailed these events during the proceedings at Isleworth Crown Court.

Less than a day after this assault, Iskander’s depraved actions continued when he encountered an 11-year-old girl walking home from school. He forcibly dragged her into his residence, where he sexually assaulted her at gunpoint. The police, who were en route to speak with the nine-year-old victim, heard screams emanating from Iskander’s house and responded immediately. They burst into the premises, arresting Iskander and rescuing the distressed 11-year-old girl. The officers found the young girl in an 'extremely distressed' state, highlighting the severity of the trauma inflicted.

Further investigation by Hounslow’s Sapphire Unit uncovered the weapons used in the attacks—the sawn-off shotgun and the ladder—and revealed Iskander’s sinister collection of diaries. These writings exposed that he had meticulously planned the assaults and had been stalking the two girls for at least 18 months, documenting their movements and behaviors. The diaries also contained disturbing comparisons and fantasies, including references to high-profile child murderers such as the Soham killers, Jessica and Holly, and Belgian serial child-killer Marc Dutroux. Iskander fantasized about having sex with the victims while they wore Manchester United shirts, a detail that underscored the depravity of his thoughts.

On September 13 and 14 of the previous year, Iskander pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including trespass with intent to rape, oral rape, attempted rape of the nine-year-old girl, possession of a sawn-off shotgun with intent to commit rape, sexual assault of the 11-year-old girl, and kidnapping her. His actions demonstrated a calculated and relentless pattern of predatory behavior.

The court sentenced Iskander to life imprisonment for public protection, with a minimum term of six years before he could be considered for parole. Additionally, he will remain on license and be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Judge Sam Katkhuda, who presided over the case, described Iskander as a significant danger to the public, emphasizing that his previous conviction for a violent hammer attack underscored the potential for serious harm. The judge stated, 'You are at risk of causing serious injury or even death because you have already been convicted of a serious assault when the court was very lenient with you.'

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Andrew Rose expressed his condemnation of the crimes, stating, 'This was a vile case. It was perpetrated for his own sexual gratification with no consideration for the effect it would have on other people’s lives—the victims, their families, and friends. It was almost unbelievable—surreal.'

Detective Sergeant Martin Cole of Hounslow’s Sapphire Team also commented on the case, highlighting the importance of keeping Iskander in custody. 'We are very pleased that Iskander will remain in custody until he is no longer considered a danger,' he said. 'These attacks were cold and calculating, impacting the victims and their families profoundly. It will take great strength for them to recover, and I hope these children can now begin to enjoy their childhoods again.'