Teen Admits Shocking Knife Attacks on Schoolgirls in Croydon
Teen Pleads Guilty to Brutal Stabbings and Sexual Assaults
A teenager appeared at Croydon Crown Court and pleaded guilty to two counts of grievous bodily harm (GBH). He also admitted four counts of sexual assault, one count of assault by penetration, and one charge of common assault. A robbery charge was left to lie on file. He is due to be sentenced on Monday, 7 June, after being remanded in custody.
Two Girls Stabbed in Separate Random Attacks
In the early morning of Wednesday, 4 November 2020, police were called to Moffat Road, Croydon following reports of a 15-year-old girl stabbed in the leg by a stranger. The victim was rushed to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Just two days later, on 6 November, another 15-year-old girl was stabbed in the arm on St Paul’s Road while walking to school. She was treated at the scene and taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The victims attended different schools and appeared to be strangers to each other.
Disturbing Pattern of Assaults Linked to the Teen
Investigators tied these incidents to four other attacks from November 2019 to October 2020. Teenage girls walking to school were randomly approached and sexually or physically assaulted.
The suspect was arrested at his home in Thornton Heath in the early hours of Sunday, 8 November.
Police Appeal for Help to Fight Knife Crime
Detective Sergeant Sarah Barrett said: “These incidents caused considerable concern to the local community – all the victims were teenage girls, apparently chosen at random. They were simply on their way to school when subjected to needless and completely unprovoked attacks. I am grateful to all of them for their assistance to our investigation.”
Knife crime devastates families and communities. If you know someone on the fringes of knife crime, do the right thing. Give information anonymously to Crimestoppers. Calls and online tips are 100% confidential and cannot be traced.
Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their quick online form. It could save a life.
