Attacker jailed for sexual assault on girl with low IQ

7:45am Friday 24th November 2006

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THIS 20-year-old man has been jailed for five years for attempting to rape a woman with an IQ of an eight-year-old.

In an attack described as "horrifying", Kavell Lawes, of Monserat Close, Norwood, befriended his victim on a bus before dragging her off the street and threatening her with a broken bottle.

Wearing glasses, and a black shirt and tie, the sex attacker looked emotionless as he was jailed at Kingston Crown Court last Friday, although his mother sobbed uncontrollably outside.

The court heard how Lawes, unemployed, had approached the 20-year-old woman from Mitcham, who had severe learning difficulties, as they travelled on a 333 bus from Elephant and Castle, on November 26, last year.

At one point she tried to get off the bus but he pulled her back on to her seat, and insisted she continue the journey.

She then got off in Tooting, but Lawes followed her.

He pushed her down an alley, off Seely Road, and ripped off her jeans and underwear. He smashed a bottle to threaten her and tried to rape her twice.

However, it appears he was then scared off as his victim was found standing in front of the nearby Tooting police station in a distressed state, just after midnight.

Lawes was arrested and charged the following day.

Jackie Kerr, prosecuting, said: "This attack was abhorrent.

"We had to be very careful about how we dealt with the victim as she was extremely vulnerable.

"I met her several times as I was keen she understood the trial process before the hearing got underway."

A number of psychologists' reports were prepared, including one detailing her tendency to smile in inappropriate circumstances.

Judge Charles Tilling could have jailed the predator for eight years, but dropped the sentence to five because he was satisfied Lawes was unaware of her learning difficulties, and so did not prey on her for that resaon.

He said:"According to this vulnerable young woman a bottle was used to threaten her.

"Against that is the fact you are still a very young man with no previous convictions."

Investigating officer Detective Constable John Kennedy said: "It was a terrible and horrifying sexual attack carried out on an extremely vulnerable member of our society.

"It was a complex court case whereby the jury had to study all of the evidence in great depth taking into account the victim's learning difficulties.

"Justice has been seen to be served."

Lawes will also remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years.