Predator Stephen Chant Snared After Two Attempted Rapes on Teen Girls
Chant Caught After Shocking Attacks in Trowbridge
Stephen Sydney Chant, of Seymour Road, faced Swindon Crown Court today (17/7) after admitting to two counts of attempted stranger rape targeting teenage girls. He also pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm (Section 18 GBH) and sexual assault charges.
Brave Victim Fights Off Attack by Hiding Predator
On 25 July 2022, Chant stalked a teenage girl on a footpath between the railway station and Langford Road around 6.30pm. He lurked in bushes, then struck her on the head before trying to rape her. The girl fought back fiercely, and a passing stranger intervened, allowing her to escape Chant’s clutches.
Other Victims Come Forward
- Chant also admitted attempting to rape a second teenage girl in April 2022.
- He pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a young adult female in August 2021.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage and Teamwork
Detective Inspector Tom Straker said: “Chant is clearly a very dangerous man who preyed on young women in Trowbridge. His victims have been incredibly brave, and I cannot praise them enough for how they have worked with my team to get him convicted and imprisoned.”
“I’m also proud of our Community Policing Team and Central CID detectives. Their thorough investigation left Chant no choice but to plead guilty. This spared the victims the trauma of a trial. A sexual predator has now been taken off our streets, keeping our communities safe.”
