Elvis Sidaway

Elvis Sidaway, a 53-year-old paint mixer from Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for a series of terrifying sex attacks on young women in the city. The offences, which took place between 20 November and 29 January, targeted vulnerable females, particularly students, in the Selly Oak, Edgbaston, and Quinton areas. Sidaway, who wore a distinctive gorilla mask during the assaults, preyed on his victims in the early hours of the morning as they made their way home.

The attacks came to light when two female students reported being assaulted by a masked suspect in November. In one incident, a victim managed to pull off the gorilla mask, providing a crucial description that aided the investigation. West Midlands Police tracked Sidaway down after spotting his blue Peugeot 207 car in Selly Oak. A search of the vehicle uncovered condoms and a black firelighter, while officers searching his home on Fountain Road found a craft knife, black gloves, and another firelighter. These items were linked to the crimes.

At Birmingham Crown Court, Sidaway was found guilty of rape and possessing a knife following a trial. He had previously pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting five students and three charges of threatening another person with a knife. The court heard how some victims were threatened at knifepoint during the assaults, heightening the fear and trauma inflicted on the community, particularly the student population in Selly Oak.

• Sidaway targeted lone females walking home late at night.
• He used a gorilla mask to conceal his identity in multiple attacks.
• Police evidence included items found in his car and home directly connecting him to the scenes.

Detective Sergeant Laura Harrison of West Midlands Police described the impact of Sidaway's crimes, stating: "Sidaway had caused a whole community to question their safety. I hope this will reassure his victims and the wider student population that a dangerous man is no longer a threat to them." Jonathan Kelleher, senior crown prosecutor with the West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, added: "Elvis Sidaway is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted vulnerable lone females on their way home in the early hours of the morning."

The court ordered Sidaway to remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely, ensuring long-term monitoring upon any future release. This case, reported by the BBC and sourced from West Midlands Police and HM Courts & Tribunals Service, underscores the vigilance of law enforcement in protecting communities from sexual predators.