Serial Sex Offender Craig Anderson Faces Custody for Underground Attacks
A serial sex offender labelled a 'dangerous predator' by authorities is now facing a substantial prison sentence after being convicted of assaulting four women and stalking another victim across the London Underground network. Craig Anderson, aged 38, carried out these disturbing offences at Bank, Liverpool Street, and Westminster underground stations, along with Redhill station in Surrey, throughout last year. He was remanded in custody today following his appearance at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Wandsworth.
Pattern of Predatory Behaviour and Stalking
The court heard how Anderson's criminal conduct began in June when he met a woman on a train and initiated a conversation. After she provided her phone number, Anderson embarked on a relentless campaign of messaging that persisted until October, utilising eight different phone numbers to contact her. He admitted to sending her an explicit image in August, an act that was entirely against her wishes. Prosecuting barrister Ellen Alexander emphasised that this was 'not a reciprocal or consensual relationship' and clarified that, while the complainant met Anderson on several occasions, their interactions were never romantic in nature.
In a particularly alarming incident last July, Anderson followed the woman onto a train from Epsom station to Canary Wharf without her consent. Upon arrival at Victoria station, he took her phone and pursued her to the toilet, later claiming this was done 'in a playful manner'. The victim retreated to the bathroom specifically to escape his unwelcome presence.
Four Separate Sexual Assaults Captured on CCTV
Anderson also committed four distinct sexual assaults across London between June and October. On June 14 at Bank underground station, closed-circuit television footage captured Anderson walking behind a woman and reaching up to touch her as they ascended stairs. The video evidence showed him smiling and sticking his tongue out afterwards, displaying a blatant lack of remorse.
He carried out similar assaults on August 2, August 28, and October 6. In one instance, Anderson was recorded travelling on an escalator behind another victim. When they reached the top, she visibly jumped away from him, and he admitted she shouted 'don't touch me'. On a separate occasion, Anderson approached a woman on a train to Gatwick Airport and provocatively asked, 'What would you do if I tried to kiss you?'. When she responded that she would report him, he attempted to kiss her regardless.
Prosecution and Defence Arguments
Ms Alexander stated that Anderson's police interview demonstrated he 'clearly exhibits aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards women'. She added, 'He was deliberately targeting vulnerable women alone on public transport for sexual pleasure. He did not take no for an answer. He walks away smiling and sticking his tongue out. He does not understand the seriousness of what he has done.' Regarding the stalking offence, she highlighted the 'significant impact this incident has had' on the victim, who became more alert of her surroundings and altered her commute to avoid encountering him.
Defence barrister Helen Cooper urged the judge to consider that the stalking and assaults constituted 'two very different sets of offences'. She noted that Anderson admitted meeting all his victims but denied assaulting any of them. Despite his denials, Anderson was convicted of four charges of sexual assault and one count of stalking. He had previously denied all offences and yelled at the judge from the dock after his conviction last month.
Sentencing and Police Response
Judge Mr Jeremy Benson ordered pre-sentence reports and remanded Anderson in custody until March 18. The investigating officer from British Transport Police commented, 'Anderson is a dangerous predator who preyed on women for his own sexual gratification. During his initial questioning he smirked his way through providing no comment responses, highlighting his lack of remorse for his actions. It is thanks to the brave victims who supported this investigation that we have seen him convicted for these heinous crimes.'
The officer further urged the public, 'If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously, and do everything possible to bring them to justice.' Anderson appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit, with his sentencing pending next month.
