NICHOLAS PHILIP'S SHOCKING ATTACK IN BERMONDSEY: SEX OFFENDER ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE TERRIFYING INCIDENT
| Red Rose Database
Bermondsey Sexual Abuser
In October 2019, a disturbing incident unfolded in Bermondsey involving Nicholas Philip, a 34-year-old man whose mental health was significantly compromised at the time of the assault. Philip was involved in a frightening attack on a woman in a children’s adventure playground, an event that left her terrified and fighting for her life. Despite the severity of the assault, Philip was not sentenced to prison, a decision that has sparked controversy and public concern.
According to court reports, Nicholas Philip approached the woman, who has not been publicly identified, in the early hours of Saturday, December 7, 2017. The incident took place before sunrise, around 8 a.m., at a location near an arts and crafts centre in Bermondsey. The woman was alone at the time, attempting to close a gate when Philip suddenly appeared in front of her. Without warning, he grabbed her around the upper body, causing her to panic and scream for help. She struggled to breathe as he held her tightly, and despite her efforts to pull away, Philip dragged her back by her jacket.
The court heard that the woman was kicking and pulling at his hands, desperately trying to escape. Her screams echoed in the early morning darkness as Philip forcibly pulled her to the ground, dragging her to a more secluded area. Once on the ground, he proceeded to pull down her trousers and groped her buttocks. The assault escalated as Philip climbed on top of her, with the woman feeling as if she was going to be killed. She believed her life was in imminent danger during the ordeal.
Throughout the attack, Philip remained on top of her, and the woman was unable to breathe properly, fearing for her life. Her desperate struggle to free herself was only partially successful when she managed to bite him on the face, which contributed to his eventual retreat. The incident was described as ‘terrifying’ and ‘horrific,’ with the victim left shaken and traumatized.
Following the attack, Philip was brought before the court, where he was sentenced to a three-year community order and placed under a curfew. The Solicitor General subsequently appealed this sentence, arguing that it was too lenient given the nature of the offence. However, the panel of judges ultimately decided not to increase the sentence, citing Philip’s mental state at the time of the attack. The court acknowledged that Philip was experiencing a psychotic episode, believing that most people were either clones or aliens and that he spent much of his time online watching videos about the end of the world.
Lord Justice Simon detailed the events, emphasizing that the attack occurred in a dark, isolated area and that Philip’s mental health issues played a significant role in his actions. The court described the attack as a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was left traumatized by the experience. Despite the gravity of the assault, Philip’s mental health condition was deemed a mitigating factor, leading to the decision to avoid a custodial sentence. This case has raised questions about the adequacy of sentencing for sexual assaults committed by individuals with mental health issues, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims in public spaces like Bermondsey.
According to court reports, Nicholas Philip approached the woman, who has not been publicly identified, in the early hours of Saturday, December 7, 2017. The incident took place before sunrise, around 8 a.m., at a location near an arts and crafts centre in Bermondsey. The woman was alone at the time, attempting to close a gate when Philip suddenly appeared in front of her. Without warning, he grabbed her around the upper body, causing her to panic and scream for help. She struggled to breathe as he held her tightly, and despite her efforts to pull away, Philip dragged her back by her jacket.
The court heard that the woman was kicking and pulling at his hands, desperately trying to escape. Her screams echoed in the early morning darkness as Philip forcibly pulled her to the ground, dragging her to a more secluded area. Once on the ground, he proceeded to pull down her trousers and groped her buttocks. The assault escalated as Philip climbed on top of her, with the woman feeling as if she was going to be killed. She believed her life was in imminent danger during the ordeal.
Throughout the attack, Philip remained on top of her, and the woman was unable to breathe properly, fearing for her life. Her desperate struggle to free herself was only partially successful when she managed to bite him on the face, which contributed to his eventual retreat. The incident was described as ‘terrifying’ and ‘horrific,’ with the victim left shaken and traumatized.
Following the attack, Philip was brought before the court, where he was sentenced to a three-year community order and placed under a curfew. The Solicitor General subsequently appealed this sentence, arguing that it was too lenient given the nature of the offence. However, the panel of judges ultimately decided not to increase the sentence, citing Philip’s mental state at the time of the attack. The court acknowledged that Philip was experiencing a psychotic episode, believing that most people were either clones or aliens and that he spent much of his time online watching videos about the end of the world.
Lord Justice Simon detailed the events, emphasizing that the attack occurred in a dark, isolated area and that Philip’s mental health issues played a significant role in his actions. The court described the attack as a terrifying ordeal for the victim, who was left traumatized by the experience. Despite the gravity of the assault, Philip’s mental health condition was deemed a mitigating factor, leading to the decision to avoid a custodial sentence. This case has raised questions about the adequacy of sentencing for sexual assaults committed by individuals with mental health issues, especially in cases involving vulnerable victims in public spaces like Bermondsey.