Homeless man who kidnapped boy from toilet and sexually assaulted him in south London is jailed

A passerby saw the child being taken in a bush and called the police (Picture: Met Police)

A homeless man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted an eight-year-old boy in south London has been jailed.

Shane Upton, 24, was waiting in a public toilet in a park in Southwark on May 17 2019 when the child walked in.

Upton held him against his will and committed sexual offences upon him, both in the cubicle and outside in the park, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

A passer-by saw the victim being taken to the bush and called the police. Two officers arrived and chased Upton.

A boy was in Burgess Park near Addington Square when he was taken by a stranger. (Google Streetview)

A jury at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty of sexual assault of a child, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence.

He was sentenced on Wednesday to 11 years in prison.

CPS spokesman Nathan Paine Davey said: “This was extremely serious offending against a young boy.

“The victim bravely gave evidence at the trial via video link, meaning that he did not have to come face-to-face with his attacker again. Thanks to the courage of this eight-year-old boy, the court heard of the ordeal he went through.

“Upton will now be held accountable for his actions. Our thoughts remain with the victim and his family.”