Victim of Bristol sex attacker speaks out
A woman who was indecently assaulted by a serial sex attacker has spoken out about her ordeal, in the hope that it will help lead to the capture of the man.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is one of five victims attacked in the Clifton area since October.
The Bristol University student was pounced on in Alma Road as she walked home in the early hours of the morning, more than two weeks ago.
The attack happened at about 3am on Friday, November 7, and has been linked by the police to four other incidents in the same area over the last five weeks.
She was just minutes from her house when the man, dubbed the Bristol Groper, jumped on her from behind, forced her onto the pavement and pinned her down.
Unable to fight off her attacker, the third-year student screamed for help as he indecently assaulted her.
She said: "I was surprised at his strength and how I couldn't physically defend myself, so I just screamed at the top of my voice."
She first noticed the man walking in the same direction as her, but on the opposite side of the road.
Speaking to student newspaper Epigram, she added: "I thought nothing of it until the man then crossed the road and started walking behind me and sped up.
"I slowed down, thinking the man wanted to walk past me but then he grabbed me from behind and shoved me onto the ground."
The man ran off towards Whiteladies Road when the student started screaming for help, leaving her with minor bruises. She did not get a look at his face.
The student did not report the incident to police until she heard another woman had been attacked a few days later.
Other attacks have happened in Whiteladies Road, Pembroke Road and Hanbury Road, all in Clifton, with the latest being on Friday in Hampton Park, Cotham.
Police increased patrols in the area over the weekend and pledged to continue to keep more officers in the vicinity for at least another week.
The first indent assault happened on October 12, but police waited until last week to issue a warning. It is understood that detectives did not link the attacks at first.
All of the attacks have happened during the hours of darkness with all the victims being women aged between 20 and 30.
Police are hunting for a white man, who is about 5ft 10ins tall, with dark hair who has worn dark clothing in every attack.
Claire Stanley, an Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman, said: "Inquiries are continuing and the increased police presence will remain in the area this week."
A large team of officers is involved in the investigation and police have warned women to take extra care when walking in the area and to avoid walking alone.
6 Comments
by Patrick, Bristol
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 5:32PM
“This is horrific and this man needs to be caught and put away for a long, long time - that is, if ever a time comes that anyone can realistically say that he is no longer a danger to women.
Meanwhile, one practical thought that should not be necessary in this civilised age is that the Police, and the University authorities/Students Union should make rape alarms available to all women who are worried about their safety. This should be out of public funds and a special budget for just such contingencies.
Thank you to the young lady who has told her story. You will be an inspiration to the other victims, and many other people.”
by Martin, Clifton
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 1:49PM
“I agree Mary.
As this man gets braver, his attacks will get more serious, which is why he needs to be caught as soon as possible.”
by Mary, Bristol
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 10:36AM
“The more times this scum gets away it the braver he will become, we need to catch him”
by Zoe, Bristol
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 10:24AM
“This girl is extremely brave for telling her story. I really hope they catch the man that committed these awful crimes I really do.”
by Jo, Clifton
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 9:50AM
“The police pledge to continue to keep more officers in the vicinty for at least another week? How about until he is caught???
The close proximity of all the attacks suggests he either lives in the area or is deliberately targeting students who are most likely to be the ones walking home at 3am on a week night.
I for one am now suspicious of every man I see walking on the same road as me during the hours of darkness, and would appeal to any other girls who have been attacked to come forward to help the police with their investigation.”
by Richard, Bristol
Tuesday, November 25 2008, 9:26AM
“This man has to be caught soon, as these attacks have only recently started I wonder now if he is a student himself.”