Man jailed for ten years after harrowing sex attack in Lancaster
The victim was assaulted and robbed as she walked home from a night out
A man who sexually assaulted and robbed a woman as she walked home from a night out in Lancaster has been jailed for ten years.
Aaron Burns, 31, followed his victim through Lancaster city centre at around 2am on 14 November 2019.
When she got home, Burns put one hand over her face and his other hand around her waist before saying: "You're coming with me or I'll murder you."
He pulled her onto a canal towpath, where he rummaged through her handbag and asked what money she had.
Burns then sexually assaulted her in what Lancashire Police call 'a harrowing ordeal.'
The victim pushed him away and shouted at him to leave her alone.
Burns then grabbed her mobile phone and threw it into the canal.
He callously told her that she wasn't using it, so she couldn't call for help.
Burns then ran off and the woman sought help.
Burns, of no fixed address, was arrested and linked to the crime by CCTV footage.
He denied any wrongdoing, but was found guilty after trial at Preston Crown Court of sexual assault, kidnap and robbery.
The judge told him he must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he's eligible for parole.
He's also been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.
DI Dylan Hrynkow, of Lancaster CID, said:
"This was an appalling offence committed against a young woman as she walked home from a night out with friends.
"This crime has understandably had a profound impact on her – made all the worse by the fact Burns forced her to relive the ordeal by running a trial.
"He did this in the full knowledge that he was responsible for this despicable crime. I would like to commend the bravery of the victim.
"Burns is a dangerous offender who poses a risk to the public by his appalling offending and I am glad he has been given a significant custodial sentence.
The notification requirements mean he will be monitored by the authorities for the remainder of his life."
Chief Superintendent Kevin Edwards, Divisional Commander for the west of Lancashire, said:
"The persistence and determination of the diligent investigation team has led to a dangerous offender being taken off the streets of Lancaster.
"We are committed to protecting women and girls from all form of violence and where we identify this type of abhorrent behaviour we will do everything we can to put the perpetrators before the courts.
"I hope the outcome of this case will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward, knowing they will be believed, listened to and we will do everything in our power to put the perpetrator before the courts."