A man has admitted to being the subway rapist who pounced on a young woman.

Samuel Crabtree, from Maidstone, had been hunted down by police after the victim reported her ordeal, in the early hours of the morning in July.

The attacks happened as she walked through a subway between Dock Road and Melville Court in Chatham at about 2.40am towards Brompton.

The victim - who was in her early 20s - was subjected to a series of "stranger" sex assaults and rapes, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Crabtree is believed to have lay in wait and pounced under the cover of darkness.

She is believed to have fought him off before calling for help

Crabtree, 30, appeared by prison video link and admitted all eight offences, of rape, assault by penetration and assault intending to commit a sex act.

He was remanded in custody until next month as psychiatrist and probation officers evaluate what danger he poses to women in the future.

Crabtree could now face a life sentence. Prosecutor Dominic Connolly said the victim is expected to attend the sentencing hearing.

Det Insp James Derham of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said at the time: "We believe this to be an isolated incident but understand the concern it may cause to members of the public."

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