Beast who assaulted girls as young as eight is behind bars

BY TOBY PORTER
toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A pervert dubbed the ‘Rush Hour Prowler’ who was convicted of sexually assaulting 14 women and girls – one as young as eight – during the daily commute, has been sentenced to six years in jail.

Kevin Bond, 51, attacked the girls and women during a horrific crime spree between October 2016 and November 2017.

The attacks spanned four South London boroughs: Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley – with the majority committed at peak commuting times in the morning and evening rush hours.

His youngest victim, aged eight, was attacked in Vulcan Terrace, Lewisham, while on her way to school between 8.20am and 8.50am on November 13 last year.

The Chislehurst resident also sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in Herne Hill on September 18 last year and five different 13-year-olds in Lewisham, Orpington, Blackheath and Lee.

Bond attacked a 11-year-old in Lee on September 28 last year during the morning rush hour, then a 13-year-old in Greenwich during the evening rush hour.

He also struck three times in just 25 minutes in Blackheath on October 5 last year – groping a 13-year-old girl then attacking two women in their 20s.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Andrew Furphy, who led the investigation, said: “These offences have been utterly traumatic for the victims, all of whom have been young females going about their daily lives, to and from school and their workplaces – when Bond appeared and attacked them in broad daylight.

“I would like to pay tribute to their bravery in assisting us with this long-running investigation – as well as the public who provided us with information after the appeals were issued. Bond, a dangerous sexual predator. It is right that today he has been given a significant custodial sentence. The streets of South London are a far safer place now he is locked up.

“We are however aware that there might be further victims who have not yet spoken to police; if you are a victim, or know someone who has been, I can assure you your information will be treated with the strict confidence and sensitivity. We also have access to specialist support.”

Bond, who has two grown up children and grandchildren, continued onto his job at a central London university after a number of his morning assaults in leafy, suburban streets.

Prosecutors said there was use of violence in the offences and a ‘degree of planning as they were committed at specific times of day’.

Bond was finally apprehended by police in January this year through forensics, and after being identified from CCTV footage issued last November showing him fleeing the scene of one of his attacks.

He was originally arrested on suspicion of 26 attacks, but finally was charged and pleaded guilty to 14. Police believe it is possible there are further victims who have not yet come forward – and urged any to contact them.

South Senior Crown Prosecutor Daniel Geller said: “Kevin Bond carried out sexual attacks on unsuspecting young females, including schoolgirls, in public places, often while they were on their way to or from school or work. The court today heard accounts from his victims, who were without fail terrified and extremely upset by the attacks, not to mention the impact on the wider communities of South-east London, where the attacks occurred.

“Bond is a dangerous sexual predator who will now spend time in prison for his crimes. We hope this conviction brings some closure to his victims and we thank them for their courage in coming forward to report these offences to the police.”

Bond was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday.