Advertisement

  1. ITV Report

Sexual predator who tried to rape woman on a date is jailed

Police fear Mile Conlon may have preyed on other women Credit: Essex Police

A sexual predator who tried to rape a woman he met through a dating website has been jailed for more than nine years.

Miles Conlon and the victim met online in July 2014 and exchanged messages before arranging to meet in Harlow the following day.

Conlon, who told her his name was Mark, drove her to Harlow Town Park, where he sexually assaulted and tried to rape the woman.

She managed to push him away and make her way home, where she raised the alarm and police were contacted.

Conlon, now 38, handed himself in at Harlow Police Station the following month.

Following a thorough investigation, he was charged in June 2016 with attempted rape and assault by penetration.

He denied the charges and was due to stand trial in June last year, but failed to appear at court.

He was arrested three weeks later and claimed he had been kidnapped and raped. Following an investigation into his allegations by Kent Police, he was charged with perverting the course of justice.

Conlon, of Truro Road, Gravesend, admitted attempted rape, assault by penetration and perverting the course of justice at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, April 27.

He was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison.

Police fear Conlon may have preyed on other women too.

Miles Conlon is a dangerous and vile individual. He subjected his victim to an horrific assault and then put her through even further trauma by attempting to delay the judicial process. She and her family have even been threatened by unknown people trying to persuade her to withdraw her complaint. She has endured three years of hell but has shown great dignity and bravery.

– Investigating officer Detective Constable Nigel Garwood

The victim said she suffered anxiety attacks after the incident and was reluctant to leave the house.

“I have cried, I have lost sleep, I have been angry at times and have been on a rollercoaster of emotions during the police investigation,” she said. “I have had times where I have felt really down, but my friends and children have all been there for me. They have been my rocks.

– Conlon's victim

Anyone affected should contact 101. Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org