‘Dangerous’ sex attacker ‘pounced on walker in her 60s’ with a knife

James Nicolaou
Met Police
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An attempted rapist jumped out of the bushes with a knife to sexually assault a walker in her late 60s.

James Nicolaou, 29, has been jailed for 15 years for attacking the woman taking her summer walk in Neasden Recreation Ground.

The victim, who was knocked unconscious in the “horrible” attempted rape, told hospital staff that she had noticed a man hiding in the bushes about 5pm on July 31 last year.

She said he jumped out and grabbed her bottom. Threatening her with a knife he exposed himself before attempting to rape her.

Neasden Recreation Ground
Google Maps

During the attack she fell and lost consciousness. When she awoke the attacker was gone.

She took herself to a north London hospital with head injuries and bruising and told staff of the attack on August 2.

Forensic enquiries were conducted and detectives were able to identify Nicolaou.

He was arrested on August 7 and charged the following day.

DC Mary Fenton, North West Command Unit, said: “The Judge, HHJ Bourne QC, 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.

“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.”

Nicolaou, of North Circular Road NW2, was found guilty of two counts of attempted rape, sexual assault and possession of a knife.

He was jailed for 15 years at Harrow Crown Court. He will serve a further four years on licence upon his release.

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