A man who targeted a stranger in a city, following her for a distance before attempting to assault her, has been sentenced to prison. Thomas Dodds, 22, selected the victim near Central Station in Newcastle and pursued her for about half a mile, matching her pace as she walked home alone during the early hours. When they reached a secluded area at the Gateshead end of the High Level Bridge, Dodds attacked the victim from behind in an effort to commit a sexual assault.
However, the victim bravely resisted by putting her fingers in his mouth during a struggle, causing him to retreat. The incident occurred around 4am as the victim was making her way home after a night out in Newcastle city center. According to reports, she had walked along Stowell Street and past Central Station before crossing the High Level Bridge.
Prosecutor Ian Windridge revealed in court that Dodds had stalked the victim in the early hours, following her for a significant distance until they were in a remote area where the assault took place. The victim, who was unfamiliar with Dodds, described how he matched her pace, eventually attacking her from behind as she crossed the bridge.
Dodds attempted to kiss the victim during the struggle, prompting her to defend herself by putting her fingers in his mouth. The victim believed that Dodds sustained a head injury during the altercation. Despite his persistence, Dodds eventually gave up and left the scene.
After thorough CCTV analysis, the police identified Dodds wearing distinctive clothing and tracked him back to a location in Chinatown. DNA evidence linking him to the victim was found under her fingernails and on her clothes. Dodds initially denied any involvement but later admitted to the attempted assault.
In a statement, the victim expressed the emotional turmoil she experienced following the incident and the lasting impact it has had on her sense of security and wellbeing. Dodds, with no prior criminal record, pleaded guilty to attempted rape and was sentenced to 63 months in prison, with an additional two-year extended license period. He is also required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and is subject to a restraining order.
Judge Tom Moran commended the victim’s bravery in repelling the attack and condemned Dodds’ predatory behavior. He highlighted Dodds’ calculated actions in following the victim over a considerable distance and his determined effort to carry out the assault in a secluded location.
Dodds’ defense attorney, Mairi Clancy, attributed the incident to his mental health issues and troubled upbringing, emphasizing that it was an isolated incident in his otherwise unblemished history.