'Dangerous and predatory' man pleads guilty to attempted rape after sick attack on London Underground

A man has pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a woman on the London Underground.

Vincent Saxon, 54, of no fixed address, admitted to the offence on Thursday at Inner London Crown Court.

The attempted attack, which was described as a "horrific incident" by British Transport Police (BTP), happened at around 11.40pm on July 11 on the Bakerloo line.

The woman was travelling between Waterloo and Lambeth North stations as Saxon approached her on the train and exposed himself.

He then forcibly dragged her to the ground and attempted to rape her.

The woman managed to fight him off, fleeing the train as it stopped at Lambeth North.

She then quickly alerted station staff, who in turn contacted British Transport Police (BTP).

Saxon remained on the train, later exiting at Elephant and Castle.

Officers searched the area but were unable to find him - BTP then launched an urgent probe to identify the culprit.

CCTV footage of Saxon was released as the force urged the public to come forward with any information.

This appeal was successful - several people provided "crucial" information, BTP said.

One anonymous caller said he saw a man matching Saxon's description outside a shop on Fulham Palace Road.

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The criminal was found outside the shop, taken into custody by the force, and later charged with attempted rape.

Saxon will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on October 30.

Evidence gathered during the investigation included CCTV footage and forensic evidence recovered following the attack.

BTP Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah said: “First and foremost I would like to praise the victim for her bravery following what was clearly a terrifying ordeal.

"She was alone late at night when she was approached and attacked by Saxon without warning.

"She fought back ferociously against him before he fled.

"Her actions helped us recover vital forensic evidence that, along with our CCTV enquiries, would leave Saxon with no choice but to plead guilty.

"He is a dangerous and predatory offender and I'm pleased to see that we have secured justice for this brave victim, hopefully it will now be able to bring her some form of closure."