Council Takes Possession of Roehampton Rapist's Home

Anti-social behaviour complaint led to Tony Campbell's downfall

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September 4, 2026

Wandsworth Council has ended the tenancy of a man who lived on the Lennox Estate in Roehampton following his conviction for a rape committed more than two decades ago.

65-year-old Lindell (Tony) Campbell of Roehampton, who lived in a flat on Burke Close, is now serving a six-year prison sentence after DNA evidence linked him to the 2004 attack on a young woman visiting London from the United States.

The case began in 2019, when a neighbour reported persistent harassment by Campbell. Among the incidents were repeated episodes in which chewing gum was forced into the locks of the victim’s front door and car. Wandsworth Council passed evidence to the Metropolitan Police, including the chewing gum recovered from the scene.

Forensic analysis identified Campbell’s DNA, leading to his arrest and prosecution for harassment. He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court in December 2019 and received a Community Order and a Restraining Order.

But the significance of the DNA evidence went far beyond the harassment case. Further analysis matched the same DNA profile to a rape committed on 11 October 2004, a case that had remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

The victim, a young woman from America, had met Campbell in a pub in Mortlake after being unable to reach a friend she was supposed to stay with. Campbell befriended her, offered her a place to stay, and took her back to his home in Burke Close. Once there, he insisted she share his bed rather than sleep on the sofa, and raped her twice during the night. She remained in the property until morning, fearing what he might do if she tried to leave. Campbell then walked her to the station.

She reported the rape immediately and was cared for at a specialist support centre. Police attempted to locate Campbell’s address by driving her around the area, but she was unable to identify the property, and the investigation was eventually abandoned.

The breakthrough came in 2018, when DNA from the chewing gum used in the harassment case matched the profile taken from the rape investigation. The harassment victim recognised Campbell — known locally as Tony — and told officers he lived in Burke Close. Police compared his image with CCTV from a 2014 incident and other harassment cases, allowing them to detain him. A fast-time DNA test confirmed the match to both the rape and harassment offences.

Campbell was charged and stood trial at Kingston Crown Court. On 9 May 2023, he was found guilty of two counts of rape and sentenced the same day to six years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Following the conviction, Wandsworth Council’s housing team sought possession of Campbell’s property due to serious breaches of tenancy. A possession order was granted, and the eviction has now been completed.

Councillor Matthew Corner, Cabinet Member for Housing, said the case shows why every report from residents matters. “What began as reports of harassment and anti-social behaviour led to crucial forensic evidence being identified and shared with police investigators. That evidence helped secure justice for a victim of a serious offence that had remained unsolved for almost two decades.”

Detective Constable Tony Anionwu, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said the conviction brings long-awaited justice. “Campbell not only sexually assaulted a young, vulnerable woman who was on holiday, but then went on to harass another man, making him feel uncomfortable in his own home.”

Wandsworth Council says it will continue working closely with the Metropolitan Police to respond to anti-social behaviour, gather evidence and take enforcement action where necessary.

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