Man who raped woman in front of other passengers on London Underground jailed
A 'depraved' man who raped a woman on the Tube in front of other passengers - including a child - has been jailed for nine years.
Ryan Johnston also masturbated in front of two women before raping the passenger on a Piccadilly Line train in the horrifying event in February 2020. The 37-year-old had been seen standing outside a house near the entrance to Bounds Green Station in North London with his trousers around his ankles.
Johnston was masturbating while looking through a window of the house at the time, prompting the two women to run away out of fear. Spotting them, Johnston then shouted and started to chase them down the street to their home.
Inner London crown court heard how the terrified victims managed to get inside in time and hid under the stairs as he banged on the door, even putting his hand through their letterbox. Three hours after the terrifying incident, Johnston then boarded an Underground train heading towards Heathrow.
He approached a woman who was asleep on the carriage at the time before sexually assaulting and raping her. Also on the carriage at the time was a tourist and his young son who watched in horror. The man thankfully reported the attack to police later that morning.
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The attack was not captured on CCTV and, due to the woman being passed out at the time, neither had realised she had been a victim. British Transport Police (BTP) was finally able to track her down days later. She was only 20 years old at the time of the rape.
Johnston was arrested in December last year following a BTP review of unsolved rapes. He was serving time for burglary at HMP Brixton at the time of his arrest. Described by police as a "depraved" and "dangerous individual", Johnston was convicted of rape, attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of outraging public decency at an earlier hearing in August and jailed last week.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kathrine Spencer said: "The offences committed by Ryan Johnston show him to be a dangerous individual who viewed women with contempt. He was simply concerned with his own sexual gratification at any cost. I hope this sends out a strong message to survivors of these offences that we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice to make society a safer place."
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell of BTP’s Major, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Johnston’s brazen attack in front of witnesses highlights his lack of shame or remorse for his actions, something which continued throughout his trial. I am thankful his violence and despicable actions have been recognised by the guilty verdicts and significant sentence.
“His depraved actions will have a life-long impact on the victim and those who witnessed this. I am thankful for their bravery throughout this investigation. I hope they can now find some comfort in the fact justice has been served.” Alongside the nine-year sentence, he was also handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a life-long signature on the Sex Offenders Register.
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