A Clapham man has been jailed for 12 years and six months after preying on his victim after a night out and sexually assaulting her.

Adam Ward, 36, of Atherforld Road, pleaded guilty to serious sexual assault at Kingston Crown Court on November 27 last year. He was sentenced on Monday, February 12 at the same court.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, was on her way home after a night out when Ward grabbed her from behind, put his hands over her mouth and throat to stop her from screaming, forced her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

CCTV shown in court showed a Volkswagen car stopping near a supermarket, where the victim could be seen standing, by Clapham Common tube station at about 3.05am.

A man got out of the car, walked by the woman, then walked back to his car.

The victim walks towards Venn Street and the car followed. She talked to the driver and then got into the vehicle.

The car was driven to Recovery Street, near Tooting Broadway tube station and a CCTV camera captured the attack just before 3.50am.

As well as CCTV footage, the victim had a 10 second video on her phone which helped officers identify the car.

Officers raided Ward’s home on June 1, three days after the attack, and found clothing that matched the clothing worn by the attacker.

Ward, who was out on licence after being convicted of a drugs offence in July 2015, was charged on June 2.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Jordan, the Senior Investigating officer, said: “This was a terrifying attack where Ward stalked his victim, a young woman on her own late at night, and took full advantage of her vulnerability by attacking her.

“Quick work by investigators resulted in identification of a vehicle involved, sourcing of CCTV of the attack, and Ward’s arrest within three days.

“The victim was understandably traumatised by the ordeal she suffered and Ward showed his lack of remorse and contempt for the victim by denying what he had done throughout the investigation until he eventually pleaded guilty on the first day of trial.

“I hope that the victim in this case can take comfort in knowing that Ward has been sentenced to a long term in prison where he cannot pose a risk to the public.”