‘Extremely dangerous’ man jailed after horrific attacks on two women

A man has been jailed for nine years following two brutal attacks on vulnerable women he knew.

Karl Mark Giddings, 50, of no fixed address, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and a further five years’ on licence at Southwark Crown Court on Friday.

He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and grievous bodily harm with intent at the same court on August 8.

Giddings attacked one victim on September 28, 2022 at a friend’s address in Kensington and Chelsea. He had met her about a year before the attack, when both of them were homeless. 

The Met said he had “preyed on her vulnerabilities”. 

She was found curled up on the floor of a carpark the day after the attack by a homeless charity worker. 

Giddings had punched her over and over again in the face and on her body and kicked her in the head whilst threatening to blind her. 

The court heard that when officers first visited the victim, she was unable to speak properly due to the multiple cuts on her face, along with two black eyes. 

She was barely recognisable due to the injuries she had sustained and had to receive medical care from an eye and facial specialist. 

Then on January 20, 2023, Giddings attacked another woman whom he had known for about 20 years. 

The victim endured about five hours of extreme violence, with Giddings slamming her head against a wall and hitting her body with such force that her ribs cracked. He also poured petrol on her and rubbed it into her eyes. 

On February 10, Giddings was apprehended in a communal area of a block of flats in Alfred Road, Kensington.

Both victims were supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation and the criminal justice process. 

Detective Constable Dax Borcha, said: “Both victims have shown tremendous strength and courage throughout this investigation.

“Giddings is clearly an extremely dangerous man. I am pleased our investigation has resulted in him being jailed for a considerable amount of time and I hope today’s result shows just how committed we are to bringing predatory offenders to justice.” 

Pictured top: Karl Mark Giddings has been jailed for nine years (Picture: The Met)