Find local news in Kent

Home   Maidstone   News   Article

Sex attacker, of Orpington, jailed after assault in Pudding Lane, Maidstone

05:00, 11 June 2022

A rock-throwing good Samaritan has been praised for tackling a sex attacker.

Courageous Theresa Locke pelted him with stones after he pounced on a 16-year-old who was waiting for a taxi in Maidstone.

Oluwaseun Oseni has been jailed for three years
Oluwaseun Oseni has been jailed for three years

Father-of-three Oluwaseun Oseni, 33, terrified his victim in Pudding Lane, dragging her to a nearby car park last August, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

After pulling her to the ground the partially clothed attacker then lay on top of the young student.

It was then that Ms Locke went to the victim's aid, only to be struck in the face - leaving her with a black eye.

Prosecutor Richard Hearnden told how she then single-handedly tackled the drunken fork-lift driver - hurling rocks and stones at him.

She continued shouting until others joined in to help and then ushered the teenager to safety inside the taxi office.

The attack happened in Pudding Lane Library picture: Matthew Walker
The attack happened in Pudding Lane Library picture: Matthew Walker

But even then, Oseni - branded "an extreme misogynist" by the judge - began hammering at the window and staring as police were summoned.

The attacker, of Edmunds Avenue, Orpington, was later found slumped on a bench "unconscious, snotty and dribbling".

His barrister, Ann Tayo, told the court that when he was shown footage of the incident, he was "shocked and horrified" by his actions.

"I would like to apologise on behalf of the defendant for what clearly was an horrific nightmare," he told her.

She said Oseni initially believed his drinks during a night out had been spiked - but the court heard there was no supporting toxicological evidence.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.

Witnesses said the aspiring architect remained silent during the incident and was "fixated" on his victim.

Now Oseni has been jailed for three years after admitting sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm to Ms Locke.

Judge Robert Lazarus heard taxi rank staff were so shocked by the incident two members quit.

One, a security guard, was upset because he had been unable to keep the victim safe.

The judge thanked Ms Locke for showing "great bravery" and the victim "for her strength and resilience".

He added: "There have been so many reports of late where women and girls feel they are not safe out at night on their own.

"This will not do."

He said Oseni had "tried to hide behind the alcohol" - yet he was able to use considerable strength to push and pull his victim.

"This court endlessly sees day after day what people do under intoxication... and this is not what we see as a result of intoxication," he added.

"This is done by a person with a propensity to commit sexual violence against women and is misogynistic in the extreme."

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More