Sexual predator who attacked a woman in a Wallsend park is jailed
The victim, who is in her 60s, was attacked by Alan Rothwell, 34, in March
A sexual predator who attacked a woman in a Wallsend park has been jailed.
Alan Anthony Rothwell preyed on his victim as she walked through the Rising Sun Country Park at around 4pm on Monday, March 28.
The 34-year-old sexually assaulted the woman in her 60s and attempted to rape her before leaving the area, taking the victim's mobile phone and a five-pound note from her phone cover.
The victim, who was left with an injury to her face and was in a distressed state, ran to safety where she flagged down a passer-by for help, who immediately called police.
The victim was supported by specially-trained officers and an investigation was launched by Northumbria Police's Safeguarding Department.
After appealing to the public for help to track down the unknown suspect, the team of detectives received more than 100 responses in the first 24-hours with each piece of information being carefully investigated.
Officers also carried out extensive searches of the park's 400 acre stretch and multiple access points while detectives trawled hours of CCTV footage.
But it was the irrefutable DNA evidence found on a pair of latex gloves recovered just 150 metres from the scene of the attack that placed Rothwell to the scene of the crime.
Rothwell, of no fixed abode, was swiftly located, arrested and brought into custody.
It took the investigating team just three days to identify, locate, arrest and charge Rothwell – and, after appearing at Newcastle Crown Court on May 6, he pleaded guilty to kidnap, attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and robbery.
Today (Thursday), at the same court, Rothwell was given an extended sentence of 14 years and nine months, of which eight years and nine months will be custodial. He will be recalled to prison should he reoffend during the six years after the custodial sentence ends.
Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson has praised the bravery of the victim and believes it was her support and the public’s help that led to putting a dangerous man behind bars.
She said:
"This has been a terrifying ordeal for the victim and I commend the bravery and strength she, and her family, have shown throughout.
"I hope today's outcome can bring a sense of closure for the victim and reassure our communities that action will be taken to seek justice and protect people.
"Thankfully, attacks of this nature are very rare in our area, however when incidents like this do occur we are absolutely committed to using every tactic at our disposal to catch those responsible.
"With thanks to all those who shared our appeals and came forward with information, Rothwell was identified as the key suspect, located, arrested and charged within three days – and this dangerous man is now off our streets and behind bars.
"Protecting the vulnerable is our absolute priority and any report of sexual violence will be taken seriously with support provided to victims.
"I would urge anyone who has any concerns for their safety, or the safety of others, to please report it to police."
A statement read out in court on behalf of the victim said:
"To be attacked, robbed and sexually assaulted by a person who had clearly set out that day to harm someone was terrifying and humiliating.
“I can't refer to this person as a man as he behaved like an animal. I know this type of attack is rare and that I was very unlucky that day to come across this person. I have recovered physically but emotionally I now feel vulnerable and nervous when out alone.
"My family have also had to deal with the shock and horror of this attack. Fortunately for me, I have wonderful family and friends to support me, and I have exceptional men in my life who have been horrified and disgusted by this attack.
"I am very grateful to everyone who came to my assistance that day. Also, to the hard work and dedication of Northumbria Police who apprehended this person so quickly."
"This was a truly sickening crime"
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, added:
“My thoughts are with the survivor of this horrific crime who has shown such strength and bravery following her incredibly distressing ordeal.
“It’s thanks to her and the excellent investigative work by Northumbria Police that this dangerous sexual predator is now behind bars.
“This was a truly sickening crime against a woman in a park – a place where all of us are entitled to feel and be safe. Understandably, this has brought fear and concern to the local community and I hope today’s outcome brings reassurance to local women.
“This case just highlights why we need to keep doing everything we can to make sure women and girls are safe in our region.”
If you see something that doesn't look or feel right or you have any concerns about your safety, or the safety of someone else, please always report it to police via the Tell Us Something pages via the Northumbria Police website or contact the force on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
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