Vincent Saxon, 54, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to attempting to rape a woman on a Bakerloo line train in south London. The plea was made at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, September 17. Saxon was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday, October 30.
The incident occurred around 11:40 PM on Saturday, July 11, while the woman was traveling between Waterloo and Lambeth North. Saxon approached her, exposed himself, and forcibly pulled her to the floor while attempting to commit the crime. The victim fought back and managed to escape when the train reached Lambeth North, where she alerted station staff, who then contacted British Transport Police (BTP).
Saxon remained on the train and exited at Elephant and Castle Underground station. Although officers initially could not locate him, an urgent search was launched, including appeals through media and social media. Information from the public led to an anonymous tip-off about a man resembling Saxon outside a shop on Fulham Palace Road. Officers arrested him at that location, and he was charged with attempted rape.
Evidence from the investigation included CCTV footage and forensic evidence collected after the attack. BTP Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah commended the victim for her bravery during the incident, stating that her actions contributed to the recovery of crucial evidence that led to Saxon's guilty plea. He described Saxon as a dangerous and predatory offender and expressed hope that the outcome would provide some closure for the victim.
Victims or witnesses of offenses on the Tube or railway network can contact BTP by texting 61016.