A man who stalked a woman through a city before attacking her in an isolated location with the intent to rape her has been sentenced to jail. Thomas Dodds, aged 22, targeted the victim near Central Station in Newcastle, pursuing her for approximately half a mile as she made her way home alone during the early hours. When they reached the Gateshead side of the High Level Bridge, Dodds assaulted the woman, knocking her to the ground from behind in an attempt to carry out his heinous act.

Despite facing a traumatic experience and feeling anxious about being alone, the victim bravely resisted Dodds by using her fingers to defend herself during a prolonged struggle, causing him injuries, as revealed in Newcastle Crown Court.

The incident occurred at about 4 am as the victim was walking back home after a night out in Newcastle city. Surveillance footage captured Dodds running to keep up with her as she crossed the High Level Bridge. The victim recounted that Dodds approached her from behind, grabbing and attempting to overpower her, but she managed to thwart his efforts to undress her.

Following police investigation and CCTV analysis, Dodds, identified by his distinctive clothing, was traced back to a location in Chinatown. Despite initially denying any involvement, DNA evidence linking Dodds to the crime was found under the victim’s fingernails and on her attire.

In a statement, the victim expressed her emotional turmoil following the assault, highlighting the lasting impact on her sense of security and well-being. Dodds, without prior criminal record, admitted to the charge of attempted rape. He received a 63-month prison sentence, along with an additional two years on license. Moreover, he was mandated to register as a sex offender indefinitely and issued with a restraining order without a time limit.

Judge Tom Moran commended the victim’s bravery in resisting Dodds’ attack and emphasized the severity of his actions, noting the premeditation and persistence displayed during the incident. Dodds’ defense counsel cited his mental health struggles and turbulent upbringing, emphasizing that the assault was an isolated and uncharacteristic event.