Rapist gets life sentences for assault on woman, 81, he met on bus

A rapist has been given three life sentences for a vicious attack on an 81-year-old woman minutes after he sat next to her on a bus.

Anthony Roberts, 41, targeted his elderly victim after sitting next to her on the 155 route in Balham, south London, police say.

He followed her off the vehicle in Balham High Road at 8.30pm on February 10.

Roberts grabbed her from behind before threatening her, saying he had a knife and would kill her if she made any noise.

He then took the woman to a secluded area where he raped her, stripping most of her clothes before letting her go.

Police also found indecent videos of women filmed at locations including St George's Hospital, Tooting, on his mobile.

Roberts, of Holmbury Court, Tooting Bec, was given three life sentences with a minimum of eight years at Kingston Crown Court on Friday after he pleaded guilty to kidnap and two counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Detective Inspector Melissa Laremore said: "Roberts is a very dangerous offender who subjected the elderly victim to a vicious rape.

"I would like to pay tribute to the victim who has been extremely brave.

"The trauma will undoubtedly stay with her, but I hope that she takes some comfort now that her attacker is off the streets."