Railway rapist Anthony Chandler sentenced to life in prison

Detectives suspect that Anthony Chandler, a man who has been handed three life sentences for attacks on women at railway stations, could be responsible for numerous other sexual offenses. Chandler, aged 41 and an unemployed gardener from Romford, Essex, was sentenced after admitting to three rapes and attempting to pervert the course of justice at Basildon Crown Court. The judge, Judge Philip Clegg, stated that Chandler would remain a serious threat to women and should not be considered for parole for at least seven and a half years. Chandler's criminal record includes a series of violent and dishonest acts. His attack campaign began in January 1992 with a rape of a 25-year-old woman at Brentwood rail station, during which he bundled her into her car and raped her at knifepoint. After serving time for armed robbery, he was released in March 1998 and committed another rape near South Bermondsey station. His latest offenses involved assaults at the Royal Albert Dock station in Beckton and other rail stations, where he repeatedly targeted women walking alone in the evening. The court was told that Chandler had a lengthy record of dishonesty and violent crimes. The victims, who were unable to be identified for legal reasons, praised police support and urged other women to report attacks immediately. The judge emphasized the profound and lasting impact on the victims, stating that the scars inflicted by Chandler would likely stay with them for many years. Police officials, led by Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Weavers, are rechecking files to determine whether Chandler may have committed other sex offenses. They have established a confidential phone line for potential victims to come forward. Chandler's profile suggests he may have been responsible for other serious sexual crimes, and investigations are ongoing.