Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Rape on London Underground

Vincent Saxon, 54, has pleaded guilty to attempting to rape a woman on a Bakerloo line train in South London. Saxon, who has no fixed address, entered his plea at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, September 17. He is currently in custody and awaits sentencing at the same court on October 30.

The incident took place around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, as the victim was traveling between Waterloo and Lambeth North stations. According to reports, Saxon approached the woman, exposed himself, and then forcibly pulled her to the floor in an attempt to rape her. The woman fought back and managed to escape when the train arrived at Lambeth North station, where she alerted staff who then contacted British Transport Police (BTP).

Saxon remained on the train and disembarked at Elephant and Castle Underground station. An initial search of the area by officers was unsuccessful in locating him. BTP subsequently launched an appeal for information through media and social media channels, which led to several individuals coming forward.

An anonymous tip led officers to a shop on Fulham Palace Road, where they arrested Saxon. He was later charged with attempted rape. The investigation utilized CCTV footage and forensic evidence recovered from the scene.

Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah of BTP commended the victim's bravery, stating that her actions, coupled with forensic and CCTV evidence, were crucial in securing Saxon's guilty plea. Appannah described Saxon as a "dangerous and predatory offender" and expressed hope that the justice secured would provide the victim with some measure of closure. Information regarding offenses on the Tube or railway network can be reported to BTP by texting 61016.