A man who kidnapped and raped a 13-year-old girl on her way to school in south-west London has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Kadian Nelson, 26, from Tooting, pleaded guilty to rape, kidnap and making threats to kill at Kingston Crown Court.
The court heard that on 3 November, Nelson forced the girl into an alley in Mitcham as she walked to school. She was on the phone to a friend when he placed his hand 'incredibly tightly' around her mouth. The friend heard the victim plead: 'I'll pay you, take all my money, take all my belongings, just leave me alone.'
Nelson was wearing rubber gloves and had been 'prowling around' before the attack, prosecutor Nneka Akudolu said. The assault was interrupted when a 10-year-old girl saw him grab the teenager and called the police. She and her sister shouted at Nelson, causing him to flee.
The victim read a statement in court, saying the attack had affected her 'ability to do very simple everyday things now, such as go to school or be able to be independent.' Judge John Lodge imposed a 12-year jail term with an eight-year extension, noting that 'this shameful and shocking incident could have been even worse' but for the intervention of the two witnesses.
Nelson had previous convictions for drugs offences and making threats with an offensive weapon, but no prior sexual offences. His solicitor argued in mitigation that he had no previous convictions of a sexual nature.
