Devout Sikh, 45, who attempted to rape a woman with Down’s syndrome after following her home ‘may have other victims’

  • Harjit Singh was jailed for more than six years after admitting the attack
  • Singh, 45, forced his way into the woman's flat and attempted to rape her 
  • He was also convicted for an attack on two women at the Royal Free Hospital in north London
  • Police today warned that Singh could have more victims 

Harjit Singh, 45, was jailed for more than six years today and branded a 'predator' by police

Harjit Singh, 45, was jailed for more than six years today and branded a 'predator' by police

A devout Sikh who attempted to rape a woman with Down's syndrome after following her home may have targeted other victims, police have warned.

Harjit Singh, 45, was branded a 'predator' by police after he was jailed for more than six years for singling out vulnerable victims.

He also attacked two women at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London.

The 35-year-old rape attack victim was returning home after a day out with friends when Singh spotted her on a bus in Hounslow, west London.

He followed her when she got off the bus and up the stairs to her flat, Kingston Crown Court heard.

As she opened the door he bundled her inside, forced the sobbing woman onto a bed and attempted to rape her.

But he was unable to carry out the attack and fell asleep, which gave the victim the chance to escape and alert neighbours.

Singh, of no fixed address, was still at the scene when the police arrived.

He admitted his crimes and was jailed for six years and three months.

He was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court, where the 35-year-old victim was praised for her bravery

He was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court, where the 35-year-old victim was praised for her bravery

DC David Fall of the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: ‘I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down and even more satisfied that Singh will no longer be on the streets of London where he clearly poses a risk to the public.

 Singh is a predator who targeted a lone and vulnerable woman in broad daylight and he displayed a sense of arrogance as he carried out his attack without fear of being caught
DC David Fall 

‘Singh is a predator who targeted a lone and vulnerable woman in broad daylight and he displayed a sense of arrogance as he carried out his attack without fear of being caught.

‘The victim has been supported throughout the investigation by specialist officers and she has shown an immense level of bravery.

‘I would like to place on record the courage she has shown throughout the investigation.

‘We believe there could be other victims and we encourage anyone who has yet to speak to us to do so.

‘We can provide you with the necessary support so please do not delay in coming forward. Anyone with information about Singh should contact police on 101.’

Singh also attacked two women at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead in April last year

Singh also attacked two women at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead in April last year

Singh was jailed for six years for attempted rape and four years and six months for trespass with intent to commit a sexual act. 

Singh pleaded guilty to these offences last month.

He was also sentenced to three months’ imprisonment each for two counts of sexual assault on two women following an incident on April 8 last year at the hospital.

He had previously pleaded guilty in relation to these offences, but failed to appear for sentencing. 

The sentence he received in relation to the sexual assault will run consecutively to his conviction for attempted rape and trespass with intent to commit a sexual act.

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