THE officer who led the investigation into Carl Powell described him as a sexual predator who targeted the vulnerable.
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon said Powell showed a complete arrogance about the way he treated women.
"Carl Powell is a sexual predator who watched Caroline walking alone in the Porchester Road area before choosing to attack her," he said. "His actions were violent and sexually motivated. He left her to die in an alleyway, with no regard for human dignity whatsoever.
"Powell also subjected another woman to a similar sexual attack. Having met the victim, I must pay tribute to her incredible maturity and presence of mind when faced with Powell.
"She was able to persuade Powell not to continue the attack. Caroline was not so lucky, having tried to run away and fight with a man faster and stronger than her.
"Carl Powell has lied throughout, denying any responsibility.
"Several witnesses were aware they had met Caroline in the period before her death and they will undoubtedly feel that they wish they had the benefit of hindsight. However, they should not feel that they failed in any way.
"In the hour before she died, Caroline flagged down a marked police car, with two Special Constables inside. She asked them for a lift home, something that many officers experience while on patrol. "After talking to her, making an assessment and knowing their vehicle should only be used for a policing purpose; they gave her the correct advice and sent her on her way. There is no criticism of their actions from myself, their colleagues, or Caroline's family.
"The Independent Police Complaints Commission was asked to look into the actions of these two officers, and at their request an internal review was conducted, which subsequently exonerated the officers from any wrongdoing.
"Caroline also attempted to flag down a passing bus and got in and out of a taxi. Each one of these witnesses has no doubt questioned their own actions after finding out what happened.
"Only Powell treated Caroline with contempt and he should be the only one left to regret his actions. Thankfully he has a long time in prison to do so.
Police released CCTV of the night Caroline died. The chilling footage shows Powell following Caroline during her last moments. In the second clip he is following her again, and the third clip shows him just six minutes later, running in the opposite direction. Watch as Caroline is followed down the street by Carl Powell on the night of her death in these two videos Carl Powell runs back across the screen, six minutes after he was caught on CCTV following Caroline in clip 2 Watch Carl Powell with his second victim, a woman who he sexually assaulted RELATED ARTICLES: Killer Carl Powell should never go free, says stepdad of murdered Caroline Coyne Two brothers torn apart... and one will never know mum brutally taken away I thought that was it... says woman who survived attack by murderer Carl Powell 'No criticism of police who refused her a lift – only Carl Powell showed her contempt'
