A Shepherd's Bush man has been has been given an indeterminate Sentence for Public Protection [IPP], with a minimum term of four years before parole can be considered, for committing a sexual assault in September 2010.

Ashley Myers, 23, of Hemlock Road in Shepherds Bush was convicted of sexual assault by touching and attempted penetration at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, May 13.

At around 12.30am on Friday, September 30 the 20 year-old victim was coming out of East Acton Underground Station when she noticed a man looking directly at her and trying to speak to her as she walked by.

The victim ignored him and left the station, walking into Erconwald Street where she became aware of a man behind her with his hood up. Feeling uncomfortable, she crossed over the road at which point the man grabbed her around the neck, as he did this the victim realised it was the same man.

He asked her how old she was before sexually assaulting her. She managed to push him away and carried on walking up the street while telling him to leave her alone.

The suspect continued to follow her for a distance of two streets, when she went inside an address to safety and he walked away.

The victim reported the assault shortly afterwards and following enquiries Ashley Myers was identified as a suspect and arrested on Thursday, October 7.

He was later charged as above and committed for trial.

Detective Constable Phil Dial of the Met's Sapphire Unit said:  " Myers targeted the victim who was unknown to him and who did nothing to encourage his attention. It is possible there may be further victims of Myers that have not reported their allegations to police and I would particularly appeal to them to speak to us.

" I hope this conviction encourages any victims of sexual assault to come forward and speak to our specially trained Sapphire Officers, who can offer access to the appropriate support whilst carrying out their investigations sensitively."

The Sapphire team can be contacted on 020 8246 2307/ 2306 .

 

September 21, 2011