Nayden Nastov, from Finchley, will face trial next September
By Victoria Munro
The police cordon around the lake this August (credit: Penny Dampier)
The man accused of raping and sexually assaulting two girls near Highams Park Lake will face trial next year after denying the crimes.On 7th August, two teenage girls contacted police at around 9.30pm, reporting they were attacked in the park surrounding the lake at some point between 4.30pm and 8.45pm. Two days later, police arrested Nayden Nastov, a 38-year-old from Moss Hall Grove in Finchley, who was later charged with rape and assault by penetration.Nastov first appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 10th August and was refused bail at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 11th August.After his original plea hearing was adjourned, Nastov finally appeared again at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 1st November and submitted a “not guilty” plea to both offences.He is due to face trial next September, with the court battle expected to last four days.The crime has caused significant concerns about women’s safety in the area, leading to a meeting with local police last month, chaired by Chingford MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith.One resident – who asked not to be named – told police: “I’ve lived here all my life and expect muggings but I don’t expect to hear about rapes or attempted rapes.“I’ve got teenage girls – I don’t want them to go out but I have to let them – so I want to know what level of service we can expect from police.” Residents were promised that they “will see an increase in police presence” but that, despite a recent “influx” of new officers, numbers were still not where they “need to be”.
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