MICHAEL MCCALLA SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN LAMBETH, SOUTHWARK, AND WANDSWORTH

In a significant legal development, Michael McCalla, a 45-year-old man with no fixed address and originally from Jamaica, was sentenced to an indefinite term at Inner London Crown Court for a series of heinous sexual offenses committed across several London boroughs, including Lambeth, Southwark, and Wandsworth. The court heard that McCalla was responsible for attacking two schoolgirls on Wandsworth Common, an incident that contributed to his conviction on eight counts of sexual assault.

McCalla’s criminal activities spanned nearly a year, beginning in October 2007 and culminating in September 2008. During this period, he preyed on women and young girls in public spaces, often approaching them in or near parks under the guise of asking for directions. As his confidence grew, so did the severity of his actions, with reports indicating that he became increasingly bold and violent in his assaults.

The police investigation revealed that McCalla’s arrest was triggered by a violent attack on a woman in Lambeth. He had followed her into a block of flats before leaving DNA evidence at the scene, which ultimately led to his identification and subsequent apprehension. His arrest marked a turning point in the case, bringing an end to his reign of terror across several South London neighborhoods.

During the court proceedings, the judge described McCalla as a “very dangerous offender,” emphasizing the threat he posed to the community. The court sentenced him to an indefinite period of imprisonment, with a minimum term of two and a half years before he could be considered for parole. This decision underscores the severity of his crimes and the need to protect the public from further harm.

Outside the courtroom, Detective Inspector Mark Cranwell from Wandsworth Police expressed relief at the conviction, stating, “The capture and conviction of McCalla will reassure the public that this man has been taken off the streets. We are indebted to the victims and witnesses in this case who have had to come to court and relive their ordeal.” He also urged anyone who believes they may have been victims of sexual assault to come forward and report their experiences, assuring that police investigations will be thorough and supportive of victims’ needs.