Stephen James Byrne, 37 years old, of Dulwich, was convicted on 19 November 2009 of rape, false imprisonment and kidnap after pleading guilty at the Inner London Crown Court.

On Sunday 23 August the 27 year old victim was making her way home at around 5pm when Byrne approached her and produced a knife. He forced her to his flat in Overhill Road, SE22 where he held her for over 8 hours, subjecting her to serious sexual assaults.

Upon release the victim was able to lead police to the address where she had been held and Byrne was arrested and charged on 24 August 2009 with 2 counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, kidnap and false imprisonment.

Detective Constable Matthew Lincoln from CID in Southwark said, "This was a horrific ordeal for the victim who was in fear for her life, I am pleased that thanks to the evidence she bravely provided she will now be spared the further ordeal of a trial."

Detective Chief Inspector David Ainscough from Southwark police said, "Stranger rapes are extremely rare in Southwark, this dangerous man was arrested immediately thanks to the bravery of the victim, action by the first officers called to the scene and a thorough investigation by detectives, which has now led to his conviction".

Byrne awaits sentence.