In 2023, a sadistic sex offender, Ryan Johnston, the HMP Thameside Rapist, who masturbated in front of two women before raping another while she was unconscious on the Piccadilly Line, was sentenced to imprisonment for rape and sexual assault, subsequent to an investigation by the British Transport Police (BTP).
Ryan Johnston, 37, of HMP Thameside, Greenwich, was sentenced today (8 December) to nine years of jail at Inner London Crown Court. He was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a permanent registration on the Sex Offenders Register.
His punishment ensued after a jury convicted him of one crime of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one act of outraging public decency at Inner London Crown Court on 2 August.
On Sunday, February 23, 2020, at approximately 4:45 AM, two women exited the Piccadilly Line at Bounds Green Underground station.
A man was observed outside a house with his trousers around his ankles, peering through the window while engaging in masturbation.
Frightened, the women fled, prompting Ryan Johnston to shout and pursue them down the street to their residence.
Fortunately, they successfully entered and concealed themselves beneath a stairwell while Ryan Johnston pounded on their door and inserted his hand through the letterbox before ultimately departing.
Three hours later, Ryan Johnston entered a Piccadilly Line train at Heathrow Terminal Five.
He traversed the carriage with assurance and approached a young woman who was slumbering.
Ryan Johnston sexually abused her and subsequently raped her while she was unconscious.
A traveller and his little son observed the awful incident and then reported their observations to the authorities later that morning.
The crime was not recorded on CCTV, and despite thorough investigations, authorities could not ascertain the identity of the victim or any other reports submitted to the police.
Two years later, following a BTP review of historic rape cases, Ryan Johnston was identified, and he was arrested at HMP Brixton in December 2022, where he was serving time for burglary.
Further enquiries led to detectives identifying the victim in the same month, who hadn’t realised the extent of what had happened to her. She was just 20 years old at the time.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kathrine Spencer, said: “The offences committed by Ryan Johnston show him to be a dangerous individual who viewed women with contempt.
“He was simply concerned with his own sexual gratification at any cost. I hope this sends out a strong message to survivors of these offences that we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice to make society a safer place.”
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Attwell of BTP’s Major, Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said:
“Ryan Johnston’s brazen attack in front of witnesses highlights his lack of shame or remorse for his actions, something which continued throughout his trial. I am thankful his violence and despicable actions have been recognised by the guilty verdicts and significant sentence.
“His depraved actions will have a lifelong impact on the victim and those who witnessed this. I am thankful for their bravery throughout this investigation. I hope they can now find some comfort in the fact that justice has been served.”
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