HE WAS one of Southampton’s most wanted men.

Police were forced had to send out extra patrols after Daniel Randall-Coles committed a string of sex attacks on women and girls as young as 12 in Southampton.

Riding his bicycle, he silently appeared behind women and girls in the early hours of the morning, assaulting them before fleeing the scene.

But now the 25-year-old could face a spell in jail after pleading guilty to 17 separate sexual offences.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, police launched an appeal for information after the spate of attacks on women and girls between January 11 and 30.

Randall-Coles targeted people in the city centre, Millbrook and Lordshill, cycling up to them before touching them and then cycling away.

The string of sexual assaults on women aged up to 43 and including two girls under 13 took place over a 20-day period.

Police were forced to step-up patrols in the areas as they attempted to track him down, as well as to reassure the public after the attacks to led to fears among women and girls.

At the time senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Heath said: “We are conducting extensive inquiries to identify this man and we are urging anyone who may have seen a person matching this description in the Southampton area to contact us.

Daily Echo: Southampton Crown Court

PICTURED: Southampton Crown Court

“This man has been reported to be carrying out these crimes in several areas of Southampton at various times of the day.

“Often this has been in darkness, such as early in the morning or early in the evening, however we have received reports of this happening during daylight hours also.

“I would like to reassure the public that we have increased patrols in these areas and that we are actively investigating each incident in order to identify this person.

“We would like people to be alert to their own personal safety, but not alarmed.”

However yesterday Randall-Coles, of Millbrook West, was in the dock at Southampton Crown Court.

During a brief hearing during which he spoke only to confirm his name and answer the charges, he admitted 15 counts of sexual assault and two counts of sexually assaulting girls aged under 13.

Randall-Coles appeared in the dock wearing blue jeans and a dark blue hoodie with white drawstring laces, over a white T-shirt.

He will now be sentenced next month and was remanded in custody to appear at the same court for sentencing on Friday, April 22.

Prosecutor Tom Wright ordered two other charges of sexual assault and another of sexual assault against a child under 13 which Randall-Coles denied to lie on file.