A man has been found guilty of a string of terrifying robberies in which lone women were strangled unconscious before being robbed.

Between August 2007 and October 2008 Temman Dias used the cover of darkness to creep up to women from behind and strangle them until they became unconscious.

As they lay helpless he would take their handbags and other property before running off.

A jury at Kingston Crown Court yesterday found Dias, 25, of Parkham Street, Battersea, guilty on six counts of robbery.

They found him not guilty of another attack.

A 17-year-old boy from Mitcham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also found guilty of being involved in the final attack on October 3, 2008.

During the trial the court heard the first victim was left with a footprint on her face after one attack. Another said she feared for her life before she lost consciousness.

Prosecutor Ken Millett said the first victim was walking through Inworth Street, on her way to work, at 5.40am on August 23, 2007.

“She felt an arm on her neck from behind and her neck being squeezed tightly,” he said.

“She was then dragged backwards into a closed alley, all the time being unable to breathe.”

The woman, who eventually managed to ring the doorbell of a house, suffered a bloodshot eye and bad bruising.

Mr Millett said: “The injuries also suggest the attacker stamped on her face.”

Police raided Dias’ home hours after the last attack on October 3.

They found Dias and the 17-year-old on a bed, fully clothed, and property belonging to some of the victims.

Evidence from the attacks was found on a roof adjacent to the house.

The pair will be sentenced on October 2.

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