LEVI BANCROFT SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR RAPE IN WEST DRAYTON AND OXFORD

A comprehensive investigation conducted by specialized detectives from the Metropolitan Police has culminated in the conviction and life sentencing of Levi Bancroft, a 22-year-old man responsible for heinous sexual offenses against multiple victims. Bancroft, whose address is listed as Hanson Close, West Drayton, was formally sentenced on Friday, 30 May, at Southwark Crown Court after being found guilty of four counts of rape involving three different women.

His conviction followed a three-week trial that concluded on Tuesday, 18 March, at the same court. Over the course of five years, Bancroft systematically targeted women who were alone and vulnerable, committing acts of sexual violence that have left a lasting impact on his victims. The court heard detailed accounts of how Bancroft exploited moments when his victims were isolated, using threats and physical violence to intimidate them before assaulting them sexually.

In addition to the rapes, Bancroft was convicted of actual bodily harm after physically assaulting one of the women, further demonstrating his pattern of violent and predatory behavior. The investigation into Bancroft’s crimes was initiated by the Metropolitan Police, who collaborated closely with Thames Valley Police. Law enforcement officials utilized a combination of CCTV footage, DNA evidence, and electronic tracking data—such as a previous knife possession electronic tag—to establish Bancroft’s presence at the scenes of the crimes.

Detective Constable Lloyd Leech, who led the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, expressed his relief at the outcome, stating, “A serial sexual offender has been taken off the streets, protecting women across the country. Bancroft repeatedly targeted vulnerable women and followed a sinister pattern of behavior. His abhorrent offending would have very likely continued if it wasn’t for this arrest and conviction. I commend the bravery of the three victims to come forward and report what had happened to them. Justice has now been served.”

It was revealed that the first report against Bancroft was made in 2018, but the case was initially closed because the victim did not feel able to proceed with the investigation. A second report was filed in 2020, which led to a trial. During this process, a third report from Thames Valley Police surfaced, prompting the trial to be adjourned so that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) could consolidate all three cases. The first victim was willing to come forward again, enabling authorities to link the cases and build a stronger case against Bancroft.

DNA evidence collected during medical examinations of the victims played a crucial role in identifying Bancroft as the suspect in the first and second cases. CCTV footage further confirmed his presence at the scenes of the second and third assaults. Additionally, data from his electronic tag, which was issued following a previous offense involving knife possession, was instrumental in establishing his whereabouts during the crimes.

Among the disturbing incidents, Bancroft’s pattern of predatory behavior included a series of assaults on young women who were alone. In September 2018, when Bancroft was just 16 years old, he lured a 15-year-old girl into a stairwell of a Westminster flat complex during the late evening hours. He prevented her from leaving, forced her down the stairs, and raped her. His tactics involved threats of violence to instill fear, which he used repeatedly in subsequent offenses.

In January 2020, Bancroft, then 17, followed another 15-year-old girl late at night after she exited the Royal Oak Underground Station. He forced her into a nearby stairwell of a residential building and raped her, continuing his pattern of exploiting vulnerable victims.

Most recently, in November 2023, Bancroft committed a brutal attack in Oxford, where he approached a transgender woman on the street. He followed her into a cul-de-sac, raped her behind a parked car, and then chased her while shouting transphobic and threatening comments. When he caught up with her, he violently assaulted her. The victim managed to escape and sought refuge at a local venue, where police were called to the scene.

Detective Constable Rebekah Routh, who led the Thames Valley Police investigation, praised the victims’ bravery, stating, “I wish to commend all three victims in this case for their immense bravery in coming forward and having trust in both the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley police to bring this dangerous individual to justice.”

These cases highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat violence against women and girls, especially by individuals like Bancroft who prey on the vulnerable. The Metropolitan Police’s commitment to transforming how they prevent harm and address such crimes remains a central focus under the 'New Met for London' plan, emphasizing the importance of building trust, reducing crime, and maintaining high standards in policing.