A vile sex predator who hid behind bins before charging at a 17-year-old girl and sexually assaulting her and fleeing has been jailed.

Daniel Patel, 26, from Harrow, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault at Harrow Crown Court in October.

In June, a girl was walking alone along Hunter Grove in Harrow when she noticed a naked man standing behind bins.

She crossed the road to avoid him and continued on walking.

Suddenly he ran up to her, grabbed her from behind and pulled her to the ground.

While the woman lay there screaming in fear, 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.

Patel put up a struggle as officers tried to arrest him, using CS spray to safely detain him.

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 setting light to a car as it was parked in Cross Road, Harrow on Friday, April 3, last year.

He was also found guilty of another arson, after attempting to set light to a car in Bolton Road, Harrow.