DANIEL RANDALL-COLES AND SHOCKING SEX ATTACKS IN SOUTHAMPTON
In a disturbing case that has left the community of Southampton shaken, Daniel Randall-Coles, a 25-year-old man known locally, has been sentenced to four years in prison followed by a five-year period on licence after he pleaded guilty to a series of despicable sexual assault crimes targeting women and young girls across the city.Randall-Coles, who resides on Millbrook Road West, was identified as one of Southampton’s most wanted men prior to his arrest.
His crimes involved a pattern of silent approach and assault, which he carried out numerous times over a short span of just three weeks early this year.
His modus operandi was particularly alarming: riding his bicycle quietly behind unsuspecting women while wearing high-visibility gear, then swiftly groping them or reaching up under their coats or skirts before fleeing the scene.
The assaults came to light during his appearance at Southampton Crown Court, where he admitted to 17 sexual attacks.
The victims ranged from as young as 11 years old to women as old as 38, highlighting the disturbing breadth of his predatory behaviour.
The court was told that Randall-Coles' actions took place between January 11 and January 29, during which he targeted women alone in public spaces, often preoccupied with their activities such as talking on the phone, exercising, or simply walking.
According to evidence presented, Randall-Coles would cycle up behind his victims, frequently grabbing them without warning.
On several occasions, victims described him circling back on his bike, either grinning or laughing, which added a further layer of intimidation.
If a woman turned or looked at him, they reported that he sometimes winked or grinned deliberately at them.
The assault locations spanned multiple prominent parts of Southampton, including areas near West Quay, Above Bar Street, Southampton General Hospital in Millbrook, and Lordshill.
Victims' statements read aloud in court conveyed a profound sense of violation, fear, and shame.
Many expressed feeling "violated and very scared," some recalling that the assaults left them feeling disgusted and ashamed of what had occurred.
The court also heard that Randall-Coles had subjected two young girls under the age of 13 to sexual assault, charges for which he was also convicted.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Ralls QC described the offences as ‘bizarre’ and emphasized his concern that Randall-Coles posed a significant danger to the public.
The judge noted that the attacks appeared to have been carefully planned, which added to the gravity of the case.
As part of his sentence, Randall-Coles will serve four years behind bars.
Additionally, he will be subject to a five-year licence period following his release.
Furthermore, Randall-Coles has been ordered to register on the Sex Offenders Register and has been issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which aims to monitor and restrict his conduct going forward.
His family, including his mother, sister, and partner—a mother of his two-month-old son—were present in court and visibly distressed as they listened to the details of the case.
This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding public safety and the importance of swift justice for victims of sexual crimes in Southampton.
