Key Points
- Andrew Collins, 35, of Beechwood Avenue, Ealing, followed a woman through Slough town centre between 6pm and 7pm on November 12, 2024.
- Collins shared his contact details with the victim, after which they agreed to meet later that evening.
- He plied the woman with alcohol before raping her.
- Collins was arrested on November 19, 2024, and charged the following day on November 20, 2024.
- Following a six-day trial at Reading Crown Court concluding on November 17, 2025, Collins was found guilty by a unanimous jury of one count of vaginal rape of a female.
- He was acquitted on one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
- Collins received a 10-year prison sentence and an additional three years on licence.
- He was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order upon release.
- Investigating officer Detective Constable Cat Sykes commended the victim’s bravery, patience, and faith in the criminal justice system.
Slough, United Kingdom (West London News) January 29, 2026 – A 35-year-old man from Ealing has been jailed for 10 years after plying a woman with alcohol and raping her hours after being caught on CCTV stalking her through Slough town centre, as detailed in reports from MyLondon.
What Happened on November 12, 2024?
The incident began between 6pm and 7pm on November 12, 2024, when Andrew Collins, 35, of Beechwood Avenue in Ealing, followed the woman through Slough town centre. According to coverage by MyLondon journalists, CCTV footage captured Collins trailing the victim, raising immediate concerns about his intentions. After the pursuit, Collins shared his contact details with the woman, leading them to agree to meet later that evening. This initial encounter set the stage for the subsequent assault.
As reported in the MyLondon article titled
“West London sex attacker caught on CCTV following woman he raped hours later,”
Collins then supplied the woman with alcohol before committing the rape. The sequence of events underscores the predatory nature of the attack, transitioning from public stalking to a private assault.
How Was Andrew Collins Identified and Arrested?
Collins was arrested just one week later on November 19, 2024, with charges filed the next day on November 20, 2024. MyLondon’s reporting highlights the swift action by authorities, likely aided by the CCTV evidence from Slough town centre. The arrest followed the woman’s report to police, enabling investigators to link Collins to the stalking and rape.
No additional sources beyond MyLondon have emerged in coverage of this specific case, but the timeline demonstrates effective police work in a sensitive investigation.
What Was the Outcome of the Trial?
The trial lasted six days at Reading Crown Court, culminating on November 17, 2025. A unanimous jury found Andrew Collins guilty of one count of vaginal rape of a female. He was found not guilty on one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.
Collins received a 10-year prison term, extended by three years on licence, and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order upon his release. Sentencing occurred at the same court, reflecting the severity of the unanimous conviction.
Who Is Investigating Officer Detective Constable Cat Sykes?
Detective Constable Cat Sykes, the investigating officer, praised the victim’s courage in a statement covered by MyLondon. She said:
“The victim in this case has shown immense bravery throughout this investigation and we thank her for her continued support, patience and the faith she has placed in the Criminal Justice System.”
DC Sykes’ comments emphasise the challenges faced by victims in rape cases and the importance of their cooperation.
Why Was CCTV Footage Crucial to the Case?
CCTV from Slough town centre proved pivotal, capturing Collins following the woman between 6pm and 7pm on November 12, 2024. As detailed in MyLondon’s exclusive reporting, this visual evidence corroborated the victim’s account and facilitated his identification.
The footage linked the daytime stalking to the evening rape, strengthening the prosecution’s narrative despite acquittals on two counts.
Where Did the Crimes Take Place?
The stalking occurred in Slough town centre, West London area, while Collins resides in Ealing on Beechwood Avenue. The rape followed their later meeting, though the exact location of the assault was not specified in MyLondon’s coverage.
Slough’s busy town centre setting highlights risks in public spaces.
When Did Key Events Unfold?
- Stalking and initial contact: 6pm-7pm, November 12, 2024.
- Rape: Later that evening, November 12, 2024.
- Arrest: November 19, 2024.
- Charges: November 20, 2024.
- Trial conclusion and guilty verdict: November 17, 2025.
- Sentencing: Immediately following the verdict at Reading Crown Court.
This timeline, drawn from MyLondon, shows a protracted legal process from incident to conviction.
What Sentence Did Andrew Collins Receive?
Collins was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with three years on extended licence. A sexual harm prevention order was imposed indefinitely upon release. These measures aim to protect the public, as reported by MyLondon.
How Did the Victim Contribute to the Case?
The unnamed victim demonstrated “immense bravery,” according to Detective Constable Cat Sykes. Her support, patience, and trust in the system were instrumental, as noted in the official statement.
What Charges Was Collins Found Not Guilty Of?
Despite the rape conviction, the jury acquitted Collins on one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. MyLondon reported the unanimous nature of the guilty verdict on the remaining count, indicating careful deliberation.
Who Is Andrew Collins?
Andrew Collins, aged 35, lives at Beechwood Avenue, Ealing. Described in MyLondon as a West London rapist, his actions spanned Slough town centre stalking to the evening assault.
Why Is This Case Significant for West London?
This conviction underscores ongoing concerns about sexual violence in West London areas like Slough and Ealing. MyLondon’s coverage links it to broader safety issues, with CCTV playing a detective role.
Authorities hope the sentence deters similar offences.
What Role Did Alcohol Play in the Assault?
Collins plied the woman with alcohol after their agreed meeting, exploiting the earlier contact exchange. This detail, central to MyLondon’s reporting, illustrates grooming tactics.
How Long Was the Trial?
The six-day trial at Reading Crown Court tested evidence from CCTV, witness statements, and victim testimony, ending in a unanimous guilty verdict on November 17, 2025.
What Is a Sexual Harm Prevention Order?
This order restricts Collins’ behaviour post-release, barring contact with potential victims or high-risk activities. It complements the prison term and licence period.
Where Can More Details Be Found?
MyLondon provided comprehensive coverage, including links to Ealing and Slough news sections. No divergent reports from other outlets were identified.
Final Sentencing Details
Reading Crown Court imposed the 10-year term, three-year licence, and prevention order following the jury’s decision. All elements align with UK sentencing guidelines for rape.
