Jailed: sex attacker Paul Douglas

Sex attacker struck at Forest Gate rail station

Pat Coughtrey , News Editor Tuesday, July 17, 2012
5:00 PM

A woman who was sexually attacked at Maryland rail station in Forest Gate and left with bite marks on her body, should not have been there in the first place.

She was only on the platform that evening because she had missed her stop.

Blackfriars Crown Court had been told this when her attacker, Paul Douglas, 42, was brought to book, He was jailed for five and half years after admitting sexual assault and robbery.The 27 year-old victim

Douglas punced on his 27-year-old victim and pushed her to the ground where he violently sexually assaulted her. She tried to defend herself, and shouted for help which was heard by several local residents who contacted police immediately. One resident shouted at Douglas who then left the victim helpless on the floor, stealing her mobile phone and purse before leaving.

Her injuries included bites and bruising to her body, thighs and legs.

Through CCTV footage Douglas was quickly identified. He was arrested just five days later on October 20.

Following the sentencing of Douglas, from Walthamstow,, Detective Constable Paul Cudby, investigating officer, commended the victim for her brave actions of reporting the serious incident to police.

“I’d also like to thank local residents who witnessed what happened, distracted Douglas and immediately contacted police. I have no doubt that those actions helped bring the incident to an earlier conclusion.” He concluded: “I welcome the strong sentence which has been handed to Douglas and hope that the victim and her family are able to take some comfort from the fact that this man has now been brought to justice.”