A chilling incident in Croydon has led to the sentencing of Frank Rawlings, 38, from Orpington, for trespassing with intent to commit a sexual offence. The unsettling event occurred in the early hours of September 8, 2022, when a woman awoke to find a stranger with his trousers down beside her on her sofa.
The woman, who was asleep in her living room, was horrified to discover Rawlings lying next to her with an arm across her waist. Upon waking, she bravely confronted the intruder and demanded he leave her property, which he did.
Police were promptly called to the scene and managed to locate Rawlings during a subsequent area search. In his possession, officers found a backpack containing a sex toy. Specially trained officers confirmed with the woman that she had not been sexually assaulted, but she was understandably shaken by the intrusion.
Rawlings, who refused to answer detectives’ questions, was arrested and taken into custody. However, forensic analysis of chewing gum found on the sofa provided conclusive evidence linking Rawlings to the crime scene. This crucial piece of evidence led to his conviction.
On Friday, December 8, Rawlings was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to a hospital order of indeterminate length. He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Detective Constable Sarah Mead, who led the investigation, commented on the case: “This was an extremely distressing incident where a woman woke to find a total stranger in her house. Frank Rawlings has refused to tell us what his intentions were, but the circumstances are gravely concerning. Thankfully, the victim’s alertness scared him away. Her bravery throughout this investigation has been commendable, and we hope that the conclusion of this case brings her some sense of closure.”
The Metropolitan Police continues to emphasize the importance of safety and security, particularly in incidents targeting women and girls. This conviction is a testament to the force’s commitment to improving investigations and supporting victims who place their trust in the legal system.
