Overview
- Newcastle Crown Court sentenced the 22-year-old to 63 months in prison, a two-year extended licence, lifelong sex-offender registration and an indefinite restraining order.
- Prosecutors said he stalked the woman from Westmorland Road to the High Level Bridge before attacking her at the Gateshead side around 4am.
- The victim fought him off during a prolonged struggle by forcing her fingers into his mouth and injuring his head, preventing a completed rape.
- Gateshead CID traced the suspect within days through extensive CCTV across Newcastle and Gateshead, with DNA from the victim’s fingernails and clothing linking him to the attack.
- Northumbria Police praised the victim’s bravery, noted such stranger attacks are extremely rare in the region, and urged reporting via the force website, social media or by calling 101.