A man has been sentenced to prison for a series of attacks on three women that occurred within just 30 minutes. The swift response of members of the public, who detained the attacker and enabled police to make an arrest, played a crucial role in bringing the offender to justice.

Dylan Makepeace, aged 24, of Mile End Road, E1, was arrested at the scene of one of the assaults after being apprehended by brave members of the public who had courageously followed him. Detective Sergeant Michael Dixon, who led the investigation for the Met’s Central East Safeguarding team, stated that Makepeace posed a clear danger to the public, especially to lone women. He commended the victims for their remarkable bravery and resilience throughout the investigation.

Makepeace had previously pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court to multiple offences, including two counts of assault by beating, sexual assault on a female, intentional strangulation, and Section 20 grievous bodily harm. On November 30, 2023, he was sentenced to five years in prison, with an additional three years on license. Makepeace has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The series of assaults took place on November 27, 2022, over a 30-minute period. The spree began at approximately 5:30 pm when two women observed Makepeace behaving oddly near their residence on Cleveland Way, E1. Concerned, the women noticed Makepeace following them into their residential block and onto their floor, despite earlier inquiring about directions to a different floor.

In a brave attempt to document Makepeace’s behaviour, one of the women briefly filmed him. However, Makepeace suddenly launched an attack on both women. A struggle ensued, during which Makepeace pushed the women to the floor and pinned them down. He eventually fled after one of the women struck him with a mobile phone, leaving both women with cuts and scratches.

The victims promptly reported the incident to the police.

Approximately half an hour later, at around 6:00 pm, Makepeace targeted a third woman who was walking home from the gym. He followed her into the communal entrance of her apartment block on Cambridge Heath Road. As she attempted to position herself to the side, hoping that Makepeace would pass her, he grabbed her and covered her mouth.

Despite her efforts to scream, Makepeace instructed her to “shut up.” She had her house key in her hand and used it to strike him during the struggle, causing them both to fall. Makepeace placed his fingers in her throat as she attempted to scream and struck her head forcefully against the ground.

Following these actions, Makepeace began using offensive language and proceeded to sexually assault the woman over her clothing. However, the woman continued to resist and managed to hit him with her keys. Makepeace fled when a group of boys on bicycles appeared outside the apartment block.

A resident who heard the woman’s cries came to her aid, bringing her inside and alerting the police. Upon arrival, the officers were informed by the young men on bikes about Makepeace’s detainment. Subsequently, Makepeace was arrested, and an ID parade linked him to the first incident.

The apprehension and cooperation of the public played a pivotal role in securing Makepeace’s arrest and ensuring that he was held accountable for his actions.

The Metropolitan Police continues to invest in public safety and is committed to addressing issues related to violence against women and girls. Their efforts involve increased staffing, support for victims, and initiatives to enhance safety in various settings, including public spaces, homes, and online environments.