Kadian Nelson
(Picture: Met Police)A man has admitted the kidnap and rape of a 13-year-old girl he preyed on as she walked to school.
Kadian Nelson, 27, stalked the teenager through the streets of Mitcham, south London, as she chatted to a friend on the phone about homework.
He grabbed the girl from behind, threatened to kill her, then forced her into an alleyway where he carried out the attack.
Nelson told the teenager to take her coat and school blazer off before raping her, just after 7am on November 3 last year.
At Kingston crown court, Nelson pleaded guilty to kidnap, rape, and making a threat to kill. He faces a lengthy prison term when he is sentenced in August.
“This was a terrifying stranger attack on a young girl on her way to school”, said Kate Shilton from the CPS.
“The prosecution was able to present compelling evidence that made clear that it was Kadian Nelson who had carried out this sickening attack.
“The prosecution case included video footage and DNA evidence from the lighter and tobacco pouch found inside Nelson’s jacket pocket, which he left behind. The victim was also able to identify him in an ID parade. These guilty pleas will mean that Nelson’s young victim will be spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court.”
A woman who saw Nelson grab the schoolgirl first raised the alarm, calling 999, and when he was confronted Nelson claimed the girl was his sister.
However the teenager managed to signal that she needed help, forcing Nelson to flee.
“I would like to thank the members of the family who saw what happened and took quick action in alerting the police to the incident”, added Ms Shilton.
“The young victim has shown remarkable courage during these proceedings and I hope this conviction will go some way to providing her with closure.”
Police took the unusual step of naming Nelson as a suspect “for his own safety”, amid fears of vigilante retribution from members of the local community.
A video of the confrontation with Nelson was widely circulated online, with Nelson named as the attacker.
The Met Police also imposed a Section 60 Order across Merton and Wandsworth, giving officers extra powers to quell potential unrest.
Nelson has been assessed by doctors as fit to enter pleas before he admitted the attack today at Kingston crown court.
He has been remanded into custody until sentencing on August 13.
