A man who targeted a woman as she walked alone in a city, following her for a distance before trying to sexually assault her, has been sentenced to prison.
Thomas Dodds, aged 22, singled out the victim near Central Station in Newcastle, tracking her movements for about half a mile, alternating between running and walking to keep up with her pace. As she made her way home in the early hours, Dodds attacked her at a secluded spot near the Gateshead end of the High Level Bridge, knocking her down from behind in an attempt to commit rape.
Despite the victim now grappling with heightened anxiety about being by herself, she bravely fought Dodds off by putting her fingers in his mouth during a fierce struggle, which she believes caused him head injuries, as detailed in Newcastle Crown Court.
The incident occurred around 4 am when the victim was walking back after a night out in Newcastle city center. She traversed Stowell Street and Central Station before turning towards the High Level Bridge, according to Chronicle Live.
Ian Windridge, the prosecutor, informed the court that Dodds pursued the victim in the early hours, tailing her at a distance, switching between running and walking, until they reached an isolated area where he proceeded with his assault plan. The victim, who had never met Dodds before, managed to thwart his efforts by resisting his attempts to undress her.
Dodds made an attempt to kiss the victim, but she retaliated by inserting her fingers into his mouth, causing a struggle that lasted several minutes. Subsequently, Dodds relented and retreated back across the bridge.
Law enforcement scrutinized CCTV footage, identifying Dodds wearing a distinctive Newcastle United top with white sleeves. He was traced back to a location in Chinatown and confirmed to have visited a hospital. Initially denying any wrongdoing during police questioning, Dodds later claimed memory loss when confronted with the CCTV evidence. Forensic evidence linked his DNA to the victim’s fingernails and clothing.
In her victim impact statement, the woman expressed deep emotional turmoil following the incident, stating her shock, distress, and ongoing fear of being alone in public spaces, especially in the dark.
Dodds, with no prior criminal record, resided with his grandparents in Ashington. He admitted to attempted rape and was sentenced to 63 months in prison, with an additional two-year extended license period. He is required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and is subject to a lifelong restraining order.
Judge Tom Moran condemned Dodds for targeting the victim and commended her bravery in resisting the assault, emphasizing the prolonged struggle she endured. Moran highlighted Dodds’ persistent pursuit of the victim over a considerable distance, depicting a deliberate intent to carry out the reprehensible act.
Dodds’ defense attorney, Mairi Clancy, attributed his actions to alcohol consumption with friends that night, underlying his mental health issues and troubled upbringing. Clancy characterized the incident as isolated and uncharacteristic behavior from Dodds.