Tzolio Kampasai, 32, of Upper Norwood, Croydon, attacked the woman as she walked alone along a footpath near Tooting Bec Road on April 14, 2024.
After the attack, he drove to Dover and boarded a ferry in an attempt to evade police.
A major manhunt was launched, and he was arrested around four weeks later when he returned to the UK.
Kampasai was found guilty of attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm following a trial on November 20 last year.
He was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on March 27, 2025.
Detectives identified him after trawling through CCTV footage, which showed him clearly spotting the woman, exiting his car and following her before the attack.
Officers then used mobile phone data and traffic cameras to trace his journey out of the country.
Following his arrest in Dover, Kampasai was charged and remanded in custody ahead of trial.
Police described the investigation as one involving a “vast amount of evidence” that ultimately secured his conviction.
Senior investigating Officer Det. Insp Kieran Curry said “DC Waller from our RASSO team worked relentlessly with her team to identify the suspect, have him charged and then taken to court. Kampasai now faces a lengthy custodial sentence for his actions.”
DC Waller from the SW RASSO Unit said: “I commend the woman for her bravery and courage in this matter.
“With the support of the woman the RASSO team supported the victim throughout the investigation and court proceedings, ensuring a dangerous predator was convicted and imprisoned, preventing any further offending.”
