Cyclist who groped five women in south-east London jailed and banned from riding
Speedy Strikes on Silent Bike
Eddwin Cortes-Pinerez, 40, has been locked up for 19 months and banned from cycling after sexually assaulting five women in under three weeks. The Colombian national used his bike to sneak up silently behind lone women across south-east London, groping them before speeding away.
His attacks took place between July 3 and July 24, 2023, hitting areas including Greenwich, Blackheath, Kidbrooke, Charlton, and Surrey Quays.
‘Calculated and Disturbing Offender’
Prosecutors revealed Cortes-Pinerez’s chilling method: quiet approach, grab, and quick escape. One victim suffered a panic attack while another was hurt trying to snap his photo as he fled.
“In each case, he used a bicycle to approach lone women walking or commuting in public, approaching them at speed and soundlessly. Suddenly and without warning, he would grab their buttocks firmly, then cycle away before being identified.”
Cortes-Pinerez lives on Mitcham Lane, Streatham. Initially calling his assaults “pranks,” he later admitted to five counts of sexual assault. Despite no UK criminal record, his presence since 2022 raises many questions.
Judge Brands Cyclist a Danger to Public
Recorder Martin Goudie KC condemned the offender’s behaviour at Woolwich Crown Court on April 17. He slapped a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order forbidding Cortes-Pinerez from ever cycling again.
“Central to the offending is the defendant’s use of his bicycle to get close to the victims quickly, quietly and unseen, and then to be able to escape quickly. I’m satisfied based on the seriousness of the offences that the defendant poses a risk of sexual harm to the public.”
Although Cortes-Pinerez has already served time since his July 30, 2023 arrest, he is expected back on the streets soon due to time served.
Support Pours in from Community Groups
The sentence came amid growing alarm over women’s safety in London’s public spaces. Women’s rights organisations praised the tough ruling, underlining that sexual assaults — even ones dismissed as “jokes” or “pranks” — must be taken seriously.
If you’ve been harassed or assaulted, contact the police or reach out to support groups like Victim Support or Rape Crisis England & Wales.
