Sex attacker who preyed on women at train stations jailed for five years
PA
A serial rapist who preyed on women on the rail network in random attacks has been given an indeterminate jail sentence.
MailOnline reports that Jean Alexis was sentenced at Luton Crown Court and was told he must serve at least five years.
The 26-year-old denied six different charges, including rape, sexual assault and theft in relation to the offences involving three women.
He was convicted by a jury on Friday following a trial earlier this year and will spend a minimum of five years in prison, British Transport Police said.
Alexis' attacks took place in Harlington, Leagrave and Luton, Bedfordshire in October and December last year and February this year.
The court heard how Alexis, of The Ridings, Luton, met an 18-year-old woman near Luton station before boarding a train with her and dragging her into the train toilet and raping her on 15 December.
He also followed an off-duty police officer from a train to her car at Leagrave station and made threats towards her.
On a St Pancras-bound train, he made sexual advances and inappropriately touched a 19-year-old woman.
British Transport Police (BTP) launched an investigation and after hours of viewing CCTV and carrying out forensic DNA examinations, Alexis was identified.
He was arrested by BTP and Bedfordshire Police officers at his home address a week later.
A BTP spokesman said that as part of his sentence he has been placed on the sex offenders' register for ten years and has been recommended for deportation following his jail term.
After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Ian Trantrum, BTP's senior investigating officer, praised the victims for their courage and bravery in coming forward to police.
He said: 'Alexis preyed on lone women travelling on the rail network in the early hours and his behaviour and actions were something no one should be subjected to.
'What each victim had to endure is unthinkable and Alexis is now where he belongs for this despicable act - behind bars.
'Despite pleading not guilty, the overwhelming evidence helped the jury in their unanimous decision.
'This sentence highlights the severity with which crimes like this are treated. BTP takes all allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously and will always seek to catch and prosecute those responsible.'
Chief Crown prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, Baljit Ubhey, branded Alexis a 'predatory and dangerous individual.'
He said: 'This case involved the serious sexual abuse of women. We have worked closely with the British Transport Police since this investigation was launched.
'None of the victims knew Alexis; these were random attacks on people on trains or at stations between Luton and Flitwick. Alexis is clearly a predatory and dangerous individual.
'Alexis was found guilty of all the offences in August following a trial at Luton Crown Court. We would like to thank the victims for their courage in coming forward and preventing further despicable offences by him.
'The public should feel safe on public transport.
'The prosecution, conviction and sentence imposed today recognises the seriousness of the offences.
'I hope that today's sentence gives some sense of closure to the victims involved, so that they can now put this unpleasant episode behind them and move on with their lives. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.'
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