Bus-stop rapist sent to jail for 12 years

OSCAR MESSAM, who staged a series of sex attacks on young women then tried to date his victims, was jailed for a total of 12 years yesterday.

Messam, 21, referred to as the bus-stop rapist, showed no emotion as the Common Serjeant of London, Judge Robert Lymbery, told him: 'Those who prowl the paths and alleyways and bus routes seeking to prey on young women for their own sexual gratification have to be discouraged.'

The Old Bailey had heard that Messam, who is married, 'began a campaign of rape' last autumn, armed with a handgun and loitering at or near bus stops in search of potential victims. He threatened to shoot one victim, raped her and then told her he was going to start loving her and wanted to meet again.

Anthony Scott-Gall, for the prosecution, said that, at first, Messam started chatting 'amiably and mundanely' to all his victims, aged between 16 and 20. But his conversation turned sinister and threatening and he produced the gun - firing it on two occasions to terrify the women - before assaulting them, then trying to arrange further meetings.

Messam, a machine operator, of Edmonton, north London, was found guilty on Thursday of four charges of rape involving three women, and one of indecent asssault on a fourth, all of which he had denied.

Detective Inspector Paul Lowden said later that Messam was 'a cool, calculating, cunning and wily individual', adding: 'He would have gone on to rape others if unchecked.'