An Old Bailey jury heard how Edward Biggs, 37, of the Nye Bevan Estate, Clapton, East London, lived a Jekyll and Hyde life.

To the outside world he had a respectable job and girlfriend. But at night he would disguise himself with a hood and mask and prey on women of all ages.

One victim, a pensioner, was walking home from Golders Green in August 1996 when Biggs pounced on her. He dragged her on to Hampstead Heath, raping her twice in a 45-minute ordeal.

In December the same year, Biggs attacked a 15-year-old school girl as she walked along Waverley Grove, Hendon. The court heard how Biggs threatened her with a knife before assaulting her.

Biggs had a previous conviction for assaulting a woman in 1992.

When officers raided his flat they found hoods, masks and a knife.

He admitted two counts of rape, one of attempted rape and four indecent assaults.

Speaking outside the court, Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman said: "As these offences progressed, more and more violence was used. One can only speculate how they may have finished up had he not been caught."

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