A man who pleaded guilty to sexual assault and arson has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Daniel Patel, of Harrow, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of arson at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, October 30 and was sentenced to five years in prison today.

The 26-year-old was also found guilty of one other count of arson after a trial lasting four days.

On Friday June 6, a 17-year-old woman was walking alone along Hunter Grove in Harrow when she noticed a naked man standing behind some bins.

She crossed the road to avoid him and continued walking but he ran up to her, grabbed her from behind and pulled her to the ground.

The man stood over her, committing an indecent sexual act before running off after several members of the public came to her aid.

Police were called and located the naked man a short while later hopping over gardens in Kenmore Road.

He was charged on Saturday June 7 and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Janine Stevenson, who investigated the sexual assault, said: "Patel's disturbing and predatory behaviour that day resulted in a young woman being left traumatised and haunted by what happened to her.

“His attack was fuelled by drugs and his own selfish desire for sexual gratification. Patel's selfishness has continued by subjecting the victim and her family to months of upset and anxiety before eventually admitting to the court what he did that day.

“I would like to thank the victim, her family and all the witnesses involved in this case for their courage, cooperation and patience during this investigation which was crucial in securing this conviction of a dangerous sexual predator and ensuring the future safety of the community."

Patel also pleaded guilty to smashing the window of a car and settign light to it as it was parked in Cross Road, Harrow on Friday April 3, causing it to burn out completely.

He was also found guilty of a second arson, after attempting to set light to a car in Bolton Road, Harrow on Sunday April 6.