Man jailed for Southwater attempted rape
Christopher Cooper attacked a runner in October last year
A man has been jailed for nine years after attempting to rape a woman in Southwater last year.
Around 7.20am on October 27, 2020, Christopher Cooper, 29, sexually assaulted a female runner along the Downs Link.
The victim's screams were heard by a passer by who intervened, causing the suspect to cycle away.
At the scene, police found a surgical face mask worn by the suspect. The DNA on the mask was used to track Cooper, a tree surgeon, of no fixed address.
Cooper pleaded guilty to both attempted rape and assaulting a woman by penetration at Lewes Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Steve Webb said: “This was an extremely distressing ordeal for the victim, who has shown great bravery throughout.
“We are grateful to her and to all those who have assisted our investigation. Thanks to their support, and a swift response by our officers, we were able to secure vital DNA evidence at the scene and build a strong case against Christopher Cooper.
“His actions that day shows he had clear intent to cause a woman harm, and we are pleased to see him sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.”