A man has been jailed for a seven-day spree of sexual assaults in Wanstead.

Caise Bidounga exposed himself to, or sexually assaulted, seven women – aged between 18 and 42 – at Roding Valley Park between September 11 – 17 of last year.

The 22-year-old was first reported to police on September 17 when an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted.

The investigation, coupled with a public appeal, identified further victims.

Bidounga was arrested two days later.

“Bidounga’s attacks were clearly escalating. Over the course of one week he went from exposing himself to a woman to actually sexually assaulting four women in one day,” said Detective Sergeant Laura Martin.

Despite none of the women sustaining physical injuries, the effects of being a victim of a sexual offence can be long lasting and we are very grateful to those women who came forward to support this investigation and hope they feel that justice has been served.

“I have no doubt, that had they not come forward, Bidounga would have continued in his escalating pattern of offending.”

Bidounga of St Andrews Road, Ilford, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, July 9 where he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years' imprisonment, three years extended licence and to be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

He previously appeared at the same court on December 18 where he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault and three counts of exposure.

Detective Sergeant Martin added: “This case demonstrates perfectly the need for offences such as this to be reported to police. Even if nobody is injured, sexual predators cannot be permitted to roam free posing a threat to women and girls.”