Shape of Snakes

Statement made by Mrs. M. Randagh in 1979

re: an alleged assault by Derek Slater of 32 Graham

Road, Richmond.

INCIDENT REPORT

Date: 25.01.79

Time: 10:32

Officer: PS Drury, Richmond Police

Witness: Mrs. M. Ranelagh, 5 Graham Road, Richmond, Surrey

Incident: Alleged assault on Mrs. Ranelagh at 15:00 approx. on 24.01.79

Mrs. Ranelagh states: I went to the shops yesterday afternoon because there was no food in the house and I had had nothing to eat for three days. I thought it would be safe because it was still light. As I turned onto Graham Road, a man came up behind me and pushed me into the alleyway at the back of the even-numbered houses. I was unable to call out because he put a hand over my mouth and clamped my arms to my sides in a bear hug before slamming me face first into a fence and using his weight to hold me there. It all happened very fast and there was nothing I could do to break free. I couldn't see his face because he was behind me, but his breath smelled of drink and his clothes smelled unclean. I was wearing trousers and could feel something being pushed between my thighs. I thought it was the man's penis. He had his face pressed against the side of my head and whispered "slag," "bitch" and "cunt" into my ear. He also said he'd "do for you proper" if I didn't keep my "filthy, nigger-loving mouth shut." He was very strong and I was frightened because I thought he intended to rape me. I believe that is what he wanted me to think. Before releasing me, he forced me to my knees and pushed my head into the mud at the bottom of the fence. He said if I reported what had happened to the police I wouldn't "get away so lightly next time." I raised my head to watch him turn the corner into the main road. He was dressed in a dark jacket, blue jeans and sneakers. It was Derek Slater who lives in the neighboring house to where Ann Butts used to be. I know him by sight, although I have never spoken to him. He had disappeared by the time I found the courage to go back onto Graham Road. I saw no one else and went straight home.