Sex attacker, 29, who tried to rape woman in her 60s at knifepoint as she walked through a London park is jailed for 15 years
- James Nicolaou, 29, exposed himself to the woman before trying to rape her
- Attack took place in Neasden Recreation Ground in north-west London last year
- The victim – late 60s – fell and lost consciousness and awoke covered in bruises
- Nicolaou was arrested five days later and found guilty at Harrow Crown Court
A sex attacker who tried to rape an elderly woman at knifepoint as she walked through a London park has been jailed for 15 years.
James Nicolaou, 29, lurked in the bushes before attacking the terrified woman, who was in her late sixties, in Neasden Recreation Ground in north-west London on August 2, 2021.
Nicolaou grabbed the woman, threatened her with a knife and exposed himself before trying to rape her.
The victim fell and lost consciousness. She later awoke covered in bruises and had also suffered head injuries, Harrow Crown Court heard.
She was taken to hospital and staff contacted the police, who arrested Nicolaou five days later after conducting forensic enquiries.
Nicolaou, of Finchley, north-west London, was subsequently found guilty of two counts of attempted rape, sexual assault and possession of a knife.
James Nicolaou, 29, (pictured) has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of two counts of attempted rape, sexual assault and possession of a knife
He was jailed for 15 years and will serve a further four years on licence upon his release.
Detective Constable Mary Fenton, of the Met Police’s North West Command Unit, said: ‘The Judge remarked that Nicolaou is considered a dangerous individual, hence the sentence that we have seen passed here.
‘I believe London will be a safer place now he is behind bars.
‘The victim was out for a walk on a summer’s evening as usual when she was subject to a horrible attack. She has shown considerable courage throughout the course of our investigation.’
DC Fenton added: ‘Victims of sexual offences should take heart from this conviction and report it to police.
‘We will listen to you, we will investigate and do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.’
Source: Read Full Article
