'Predator' jailed after attempting to rape Down's Syndrome woman as she walked home from day out with friends

A "predatory" man has been jailed for attacking a woman with Downs Syndrome and attempting to rape her after following her home.

Harjit Singh, 45, “ambushed” the vulnerable woman as she returned from a day out with her friends and forced her into her flat before trying to rape her.

But he was "unable" to do so and fell asleep, giving her the chance to escape and get help from her neighbours.

Singh, 45, was jailed for six years after pleading guilty at Kingston Crown Court to attempted rape and trespass with intent to commit a sexual act.

He was also sentenced to six months after sexually assaulting two women at the Royal Free Hospital in April last year.

A police spokesman said that Singh, of no fixed address, followed the 35-year-old victim when she got on a bus in Hounslow in July.

He said: "When the victim entered her block of flats, Singh followed her through the communal door and she took the lift up to her property while Singh took the stairs.

"The victim was ambushed by Singh on the landing as she opened her front door and Singh pushed her inside.

"She told Singh to leave but he forced her into a bedroom and attempted to rape her.

"Unable to carry out the attack, Singh fell asleep which gave the victim the opportunity to escape, alerting neighbours to what had happened. The police were called and Singh was arrested at the scene."

He is described by detective constable David Fall, who believe there may be multiple other victims, as a predatory man who targeted lone and vulnerable women.

Constable Fall added: "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.

"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."