A man who kidnapped and raped a schoolgirl in Mitcham has been jailed.

Kadian Nelson, 26, of Mitcham, pleaded guilty at Kingston Crown Court in April to kidnap, rape, and making a threat to kill.

He was sentenced at the same court today (August 13), to a total of 20 years’ imprisonment, of which he will have to serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for release. 

Police were called shortly after 7am to the North Place area of Mitcham, after a member of the public saw Nelson grab the victim on November 3, 2020.

Kingston Crown Court heard the girl was speaking to her friend on the phone when Nelson began following her.

He then suddenly approached her, placing one hand “incredibly tightly” around her mouth and then on top of her head.

MORE: 'It was a natural thing to do': Brave family intervened in Mitcham abduction

Nelson then took the victim into an alleyway and told her that if she did not do what he said, he would kill her.

He took off his jacket, told her to take off her coat and her school blazer and told her to kneel to the floor before sexually assaulting her, the court heard.

Minutes later, the assault stopped and he told the victim to put her blazer on and her jacket and then made her wear his coat and pulled the hood of the coat down over her face.

Nelson was caught mid-attack after a young girl who witnessed him grab the victim, alerted her family who then contacted the police. 

He claimed the victim was his sister and tried to walk away with her, but the women continued to follow and filmed Nelson and the victim on a mobile phone.

Nelson then fled the scene, leaving the victim cloaked in his jacket, which he had draped over her.

MORE: Police arrest man, 26, after alleged rape in Mitcham

Police attended and an area search was conducted, but he was not found.

In the meantime, the video of Nelson approaching and abducting the victim began to circulate on social media, provoking a 'fierce reaction' from the public.

A proactive appeal was issued featuring an image of Nelson, followed by a further appeal in which he was named and urged to hand himself in.

A Section 60 Order was authorised as officers appealed for calm and for the public to refrain from trying to take the law into their own hands.

Nelson was arrested at 8.02pm the same day after a member of the public saw him in Robinson Road in Tooting- just over a mile from where the initial attack took place.

Wandsworth Times: Police were pictured conducting a search in TootingPolice were pictured conducting a search in Tooting

Enquires showed that after the incident, Nelson travelled to a hotel in Baker Street, where he had booked a room. He then visited various shops around London before going back to the hotel to drop items off and then returning to Merton, where he was arrested.

It is unknown as to whether he knew that police were searching for him.

He remained silent during questioning. He was charged and remanded in custody.

The family of the victim said: "We would like to thank the members of the public whose actions of outstanding courage and bravery saved our daughter."

Part of Nelson’s sentence related to a separate domestic-related assault which took place on October 11 and for which he was previously convicted.

Detective Inspector Simon Sherlock said: "What Nelson did that day was utterly sickening. The young victim was going about her day as usual on her way to school when Nelson approached and subjected her to a terrifying ordeal. His actions were calculated, evil and depraved.

"Thankfully the incident was spotted by a member of the public who called 999, and Nelson was then confronted by another woman who was steadfast and resolute as she followed him.

"She knew something was wrong and trusted her instinct, going out of her way in going to the victim's aid. I would like to acknowledge the incredible support she gave to the victim, and to our investigation.

"Most importantly, I would like to give my profoundest thanks and praise to the victim who has been incredibly courageous and brave throughout the course of our investigation.

"We will ensure she and her family continue to receive the support they need following this harrowing incident.”

Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave, from the Met Police, added: “I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the member of the public who intervened and provided support to the victim and our officers during their investigation into this appalling attack.

“Rape and other serious sexual offences are devastating crimes that can have a lasting impact on victims, their families and communities.

"I would urge anyone who has been a victim to please report it. We will do all we can to investigate so that perpetrators are brought to justice and the victims receive the appropriate support.

“We have specially trained officers who work closely with highly skilled, specialist and emphatic partners to ensure that anyone who has experienced rape, or sexual assault, can have the access they need.”