A fake Uber driver who was seen cruising Brighton‘s streets with a “rape kit in his car” was given a 23-year prison term.
Graham Head, 66, was described by the court as a “dangerous, sexual predator” while he was receiving his sentence at Brighton Crown Court.
He was only pulled down after the victim managed to keep some of his personalised licence plate.
The judge commended the woman—who cannot be identified for legal reasons—for her foresight in memorising some of the number plate details and in immediately dialling the police.
“If it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have been captured, and we wouldn’t be here today,” Judge Jeremy Gold KC said in his honour.
While stalking Brighton’s streets in search of weak, young ladies, Head kept Viagra, rubber gloves, a balaclava, and baby oil in his car.
After a police automobile pursuit across the beach city, the lewd octogenarian was apprehended.
After giving her a ride from Brighton to the park, he made an attempt to rape her.
When her phone rang, he hurried away, the jury was told.
On November 18, a 20-year-old lady reported awakening in what she thought was a cab to discover a man sexually assaulting her.
After giving Head a kick in the groyne, she was able to flee.
Around three in the morning, she dialled the police and was able to recall the first three digits of the licence plate on his silver Mercedes estate.
Police pulled Head over when he was sporting a facemask.
When police investigated his Pevensey, East Sussex residence, they discovered a retractable baton and an incapacitating spray.
Through the use of doorbell and CCTV cameras, investigators pieced together Head’s actions.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was lauded by Sussex Police for her bravery and fast thinking.
He was a “vibrant, lively, family man,” according to Head’s defence attorney Francesca Levett, but he also had significant long-term health issues.
She claimed that Head suffers from recurring meningitis and an incurable brain aneurysm.
Graham Head is a predatory offender who acquired the trust of his victims by appearing as a taxi driver, only to take advantage of helpless women in the most heinous manner, according to Detective Constable Elliott Lander of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.
“The items found in his car demonstrate the callous, premeditated nature of his crimes as he roamed Brighton and Hove looking for potential victims.”
We were able to rapidly link Head to both incidents and bring him to justice because of the quick thinking and bravery of these two women.
I want to thank them both for their assistance with this study.
“Without them, this dangerous person might still be on the loose.”
Instead, he was brought to justice, making the streets of Brighton and Hove safer as a result.
“We suspect Head may have additional victims who have not yet come forward.”
Invoking Operation Cooper, anyone with information is urged to get in touch with the police online or by dialling 101.