Ex-minicab driver denies 'night stalker' OAP sex attacks

A former minicab driver denied raping and sexually assaulting a string of elderly women today.

Delroy Grant, 52, of Brockley Mews, Honor Oak, south-east London, pleaded not guilty to a series of offences between 1992 and 2009.

He appeared in custody at the Old Bailey to face charges of rape, indecent assault and burglary.

Grant, a full-time carer for his estranged wife Jennifer, who has multiple sclerosis, was held by police in the early hours of November 15 last year.

He was interviewed by a team of Scotland Yard detectives hunting a criminal dubbed the Night Stalker.

Grant is accused of breaking into his victim's homes before subjecting them to sex attacks.

He is charged with three rapes, one attempted rape, seven indecent assaults, 16 burglaries and two attempted burglaries, involving a total of 18 victims.

The alleged offences took place in Warlingham, Shirley, Beckenham, Bromley, Addiscombe, Orpington and West Dulwich between October 1992 and May last year.

The inquiry set up to catch the Night Stalker was named Operation Minstead and opened in 1998.

The attacker broke into the homes of pensioners, often disabling phone and electricity lines, before subjecting them to horrific ordeals.

Mr Justice Bean said the trial would take place on March 1 next year at Woolwich Crown Court. It may take up to six weeks.

Grant, who wore a dark-blue striped suit, shirt and tie, spoke only to confirm his name during the 25-minute hearing.