Life Behind Bars for Bromley Rape Predator William Trotter
William Trotter, 39, from Bromley, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday 16 December. He must serve a minimum of 12 years behind bars. Trotter was found guilty of rape and kidnap after a 12-day trial. He received eight years for kidnap, to run concurrently, and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.
Horrific Bus Stop Attack Caught on CCTV
On 19 March, the victim left a friend’s house in Petts Wood and tried to visit another in Orpington, but they weren’t home. She caught the N199 bus to Bromley to meet her boyfriend. Trotter boarded the bus at Southborough Lane/Blackbrook Lane stop, sparking the nightmare.
The victim mistakenly got off the bus, then re-boarded behind Trotter. A brief chat turned sinister when Trotter followed her off the bus and, moments later, struck her head with an unknown object near a grassy area on Turpington Lane. He then dragged her into bushes and raped her.
A witness heard her terrified screams and called the police. Officers arrived within minutes as the victim stumbled out of the bushes. Trotter tried to escape, climbing over a fence into nearby allotments but was later tracked down.
Manhunt, Lies and DNA Evidence Seal Trotter’s Fate
After the attack, Trotter fled to Scotland, staying with a relative under false pretences to evade arrest. Police Scotland and the Met launched an intensive manhunt, arresting him back in London. Trotter gave a false name and tried to run again.
DNA from a plastic bag found at the scene matched both Trotter and the victim. Numerous witnesses, including former partners, identified him from the CCTV appeal issued by police.
Justice Served, But Trauma Remains
“The victim, a young woman, has been through a terrible ordeal and continues to show strength and courage,” said Detective Constable Penelope Rea. “Trotter is a dangerous sexual offender who has been taken off the streets thanks to a number of organisations working together. We are grateful to Police Scotland and TfL for their assistance.”
Judge Elizabeth Lowe called the CCTV footage “horrific,” noting the lasting trauma on the young victim. She described Trotter as a “serial violent predator” and an “extreme risk to the public,” saying a life sentence was “justified” given his lack of remorse and the overwhelming evidence.
