GARY KERBY: BEXLEYHEATH AND THAMESMEAD SEX OFFENDER CAUGHT AFTER NINE YEARS AND TRIED IN LONDON

In a disturbing case that spans over a decade, Gary Kerby, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses, has been convicted of multiple serious crimes committed in the London areas of Bexleyheath, Thamesmead, and Brixton. His criminal activities include attempted rape, sexual assault, and other violent acts, which have left a lasting impact on his victims and the community.

The most recent conviction stems from an incident that occurred in Brixton in July 2017. On the night of Tuesday, July 11, around 10:30 pm, a woman in her mid-20s was walking through Rush Common, located off Dray Gardens. As she made her way across the park, she noticed the shadowy figure of Kerby approaching her. The confrontation quickly escalated when Kerby demanded money, but the woman, who did not carry cash, was forcibly pulled onto a bench by Kerby. He then threatened her, saying, “If you don’t do what I tell you I will stab you,” and proceeded to assault her sexually.

During the attack, Kerby placed his hands around her neck, pressing his thumbs into her throat, and attempted to rape her. The victim tried to call for help, but Kerby responded by threatening her with a knife. Fortunately, a man walking along the same path happened upon the scene. Kerby, realizing he was being observed, stopped his assault and threatened to stab the man if he intervened. The witness remained at the scene, refusing to move, which likely prevented further violence.

Kerby then told the victim he would release her if she handed over her bank card. She complied, giving him her bank and Oyster cards, and then fled the scene. The victim promptly reported the assault to the police. The Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command (CASO) launched an investigation, which quickly identified Kerby as a suspect. He was arrested at his residence on Sandmere Road on July 13. During a search of his home, authorities recovered the victim’s bank card. The man who had intervened during the attack has never been traced.

Kerby, aged 46 at the time of the Brixton incident, was already known to authorities as a sexual offender. Detective Inspector Simon Dowling of CASO described him as a “violent, dangerous, sexual predator,” emphasizing that the only reason he was stopped from committing further offenses was due to the intervention of a member of the public. He expressed confidence that Kerby’s arrest would lead to a lengthy prison sentence, making London a safer place.

Adding to his criminal record, Kerby’s history includes a case from June 2010, when he was linked to an attack on a 13-year-old girl near Townley Grammar School for Girls in Bexleyheath. The assault occurred on September 19, 2001, as the girl was walking home through an alleyway on Upton Road. She was followed, and Kerby, then 41, attacked her from behind, covering her mouth and threatening her with a knife. He dragged her into the alley, assaulted her, and forced her to perform a sexual act. After the attack, Kerby fled the scene, leaving the terrified girl behind.

Despite a vigorous police investigation, which included a week-long search and appeals for witnesses, the attacker remained unidentified for years. It was only after Kerby was arrested in Greenwich on an unrelated matter in 2010 that DNA evidence linked him to the 2001 assault. His DNA was matched to evidence collected from the scene, leading to his conviction for two counts of indecent assault and a seven-year prison sentence. He was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Pete Thompson from the Met Police Sapphire Command praised the victim’s bravery in attending court and reliving her ordeal. He also highlighted Kerby’s lack of remorse and his continued danger to the community. Kerby’s convictions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of diligent police work and the power of forensic evidence in bringing offenders to justice, even years after their crimes were committed.