Park attacker jailed for life

Benjamin preyed on lone women

A man has been sentenced to life in jail after a series of violent attacks on women in park areas of south-west London.

Michael Benjamin, 21, of Wandsworth, south-west London, was found guilty of a number of robberies, assaults and indecent assaults, at Kingston Crown Court on Friday.

The six attacks took place in King George's Park, Wandsworth, and surrounding areas in May this year.

Benjamin's victims - who were all alone - were attacked from behind and then pulled to the ground, before being robbed.

The women were then kicked around the head whilst unconscious.

Disproportionate violence

Amongst his victims was a 15-year-old who suffered a broken collar bone and severe injuries to her mouth, which later required surgery.

During this time Wandsworth Police mounted a large surveillance operation and eventually arrested Benjamin on 31 May.

As well as being identified by the women he attacked, Benjamin was also found to have one of his victim's mobile phone and blood from two of the women was discovered on his clothes.

Detective Inspector Gavin Parish said: "For these women the amount of violence inflicted was entirely disproportionate to the theft that ensued.

"For this reason the life sentence represents justice for the people who have suffered from such overt violence."