Melbourne Thompson guilty of rape and robbery in Catford

Melbourne Thompson, 41, has been found guilty of rape and robbery after attacking a woman in Catford. A jury at the Old Bailey delivered the verdict following a trial.

The incident took place on April 12 when the victim was walking to work. Thompson followed her, threatened her with what appeared to be a gun, and forced her into an alleyway where he committed the rape. He then stole her mobile phone before fleeing the scene.

Investigation and Arrest

The victim reported the attack shortly before 7am on April 12, after boarding a bus on Brownhill Road and disclosing she had been robbed and sexually assaulted. Her stolen mobile phone was later tracked to an area near Thompson's home.

Detective Constable Charlie Lockett, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, commended the victim-survivor for reporting the incident. He stated that Thompson is a dangerous offender who targeted a lone woman and expressed satisfaction that the jury rejected his defence.

Thompson was identified from CCTV footage by a police officer who had previously monitored him due to a 2005 conviction for indecent assault. He was arrested on April 28 and subsequently charged. He was remanded in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on April 29.

Sentencing and Support

Thompson was remanded in custody pending sentencing. He is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on December 4 for sentencing.

The victim was taken to a specialist Haven sexual assault referral centre and continues to receive support from specialist officers. The Metropolitan Police stated their commitment to investigating all reports of rape and serious sexual offences with dignity, compassion, and sensitivity.