A TEENAGE sex predator who carried out a series of attacks on young women in Edmonton and Waltham Cross has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Michael Paul Nash, 19, of Morlee Way, Edmonton, raped a 19-year-old and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old and a 23-year-old woman over a three-month period in 2001.

Unemployed Nash raped the 19-year-old as she turned into an alleyway at the back of Wyldfield Gardens on October 22.

He grabbed her from behind, placing his hand around her face before dragging her to the ground and threatening her with a knife. He said he would kill her and members of her family if she continued to scream.

Nash stole her gold necklace and cash card before making off on his mountain bike.

Weeks later on November 19, he befriended a 12-year-old girl and lured her back to a flat in Newdales Court where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault.

He attacked the 23-year-old in a Waltham Cross alleyway on September 26.

He approached her from behind, threatened her with what appeared to be a knife and dragged her into the bushes where she was assaulted.

He made off with her Nokia mobile phone and £5 cash.

Nash admitted the offences following a detailed investigation by officers from Enfield and Hertfordshire.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for rape, five years for indecently assaulting the 12-year-old and received four years for assault and robbery.

The sentences will run concurrently.

The case was heard at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday.

Detective Insp David McKelvey of Enfield's Project Sapphire team, which investigates sex crime in the borough, said: "I have no doubt the arrest of Nash prevented further offences taking place.

"He was a predatory sex offender who preyed on the vulnerable. I would like to praise the victims and their families who have suffered tremendous anguish as a result of this man's crimes.

"Without their bravery, help and support, we would not have been able to bring Nash to justice."