DEAN WILLETT, CROYDON AND SUTTON SEX OFFENDER, SENTENCED AFTER ATTACKS IN BEDDINGTON PARK AND ROUNDSHAW DOWNS

In a disturbing series of sexual assaults that terrorized the communities of Croydon and Sutton, Dean Willett, a 26-year-old man from Croydon, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his heinous crimes. The attacks, which took place between May and August of the previous year, involved the targeting of young girls and a woman in well-known local parks, including Beddington Park and Roundshaw Downs.

Willett’s criminal activities came to light after police investigations linked four separate assaults, leading to a manhunt that culminated in his identification through CCTV footage. The footage captured Willett boarding a bus in September, providing crucial evidence that led to his arrest and subsequent prosecution.

The first known incident occurred on Sunday, May 12, when Willett approached a 12-year-old girl walking through an alleyway near Meller Close, close to Beddington Park. He grabbed her wrist and attempted to coerce her with the words, “shhh – come with me,” but the girl managed to break free and escape unharmed.

Just days later, Willett targeted a 16-year-old girl who was playing with her brother on Roundshaw Downs. He approached her as she searched for her boomerang in the bushes, then proceeded to grope her breasts. The assault escalated as he took her along a path and sexually assaulted her. Fortunately, her brother arrived just in time to interrupt the attack, causing Willett to flee the scene.

On Thursday, August 29, Willett attacked a 15-year-old girl walking her dog in Beddington Park. The girl was able to break free from his grasp and ran away, seeking safety. The following day, August 30, Willett’s violence was directed at a 47-year-old woman walking her two dogs on Roundshaw Downs. He approached her and asked, “do you want to have some fun?” When she told him to go away, he grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. During the assault, the woman fought back, but Willett responded with violence, punching her in the face and knocking her unconscious. The attack resulted in her losing two teeth.

Detective Constable Clare Southcott, from the sexual offences, exploitation, and child abuse command, expressed her gratitude to the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She emphasized that their testimonies were instrumental in bringing Willett to justice. She also highlighted the possibility of other victims who have yet to come forward, urging anyone with information to seek help. Southcott reassured the public that Willett’s conviction and imprisonment serve as a warning and that specially trained detectives are available to support victims in a sensitive manner.

Willett admitted to five counts of sexual assault and one count of grievous bodily harm during his court appearance at Croydon Crown Court in February. Today, he was formally sentenced to eight years in prison. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm to the community.