Man Admits To Kidnapping, Raping Girl On Her Way To School

A 27-year-old man arrested in south London last year for allegedly abducting and raping a young schoolgirl has admitted to the crimes, authorities announced Monday.

Kadian Nelson pleaded guilty to rape, kidnap and making a threat to kill Monday at Kingston Crown Court, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said in a statement.

According to the CPS, Nelson followed the 13-year-old victim on Nov. 3, 2020, in Mitcham, southwest London, before creeping up behind her, forcing her into an alleyway and attacking her. He then put his own jacket on the victim.

Police were alerted of the attack when a woman called 999 and said her daughter had seen a man grab a young girl, the CPS said in the statement. A relative of the woman then reportedly attempted to check what happened and managed to interrupt Nelson.

When questioned by the relative, Nelson told her that the victim was his sister, according to the CPS. The victim then managed to signal that she needed help before police arrived, and Nelson fled, leaving the victim wearing his jacket.

"The prosecution was able to present compelling evidence that made clear that it was Kadian Nelson who had carried out this sickening attack," senior Crown prosecutor Kate Shilton was quoted in the statement as saying.

"The prosecution case included video footage and DNA evidence from the lighter and tobacco pouch found inside Nelson’s jacket pocket, which he left behind. The victim was also able to identify him in an ID parade," she continued.

Shilton noted that the victim will not have to go through the "ordeal of giving evidence in court" due to Nelson's guilty pleas.

"The young victim has shown remarkable courage during these proceedings and I hope this conviction will go some way to providing her with closure," the prosecutor added.

Shilton also thanked the members of the family who witnessed Nelson's attack and reported it to the police.

Nelson is scheduled to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Aug. 13.