A man who broke into a woman’s Orpington flat and attempted to rape her before fleeing has been jailed for nine years.

George Wallace, 26, of Wichling Close, Orpington, broke into the 58-year-old victim’s High Street flat through a bathroom window shortly after 7am on November 10, 2019.

The victim awoke in her bed to see Wallace standing over her, who then grabbed her, exposed himself and attempted to rape her.

The victim's screams alerted her daughter, who was also in the flat at the time of the offence.

She immediately called the police, as Wallace fled via the bathroom window.

Within minutes of the call, emergency response team officers arrived, who spotted muddy footprints leading from the bathroom to the victim’s bedroom.

Forensic officers were called to try to find any trace of DNA from the suspect.

Wallace was identified through fingerprints found on the bathroom window where he had entered and exited.

A vodka bottle was also left in the flat, on which his DNA was found.

Wallace was yesterday found guilty of attempted rape and trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence at Woolwich Crown Court.

He was sentenced on the same day to a total of nine years’ imprisonment – and will have to serve at least two thirds of his sentence before being considered for release.

He will then spend an additional five years on licence and is on the sex offenders' register for life.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, of the Met’s South Area Safeguarding team, said: “The fingerprint and DNA evidence in this investigation was vital in identifying Wallace. It highlights the good proactive work we do to ensure offenders are identified and brought to justice.

“The victim has shown tremendous courage in giving evidence. This case shows how working across the organisation with teams such as forensic specialists, helps to secure a conviction.

“I hope that the verdict and sentencing brings the victim some level of closure. We take these cases very seriously and I would encourage anyone who has been through a similar experience to come forward and report it to us in confidence.”