Sex attacker violently tried to rape stranger

WOMAN BRAVELY FOUGHT OFF MAN IN ISOLATED SPOT

- By ROB KENNEDY

Thomas Dodds

A SEX predator who stalked a stranger across Newcastle before pouncing on her and trying to rape her was foiled as she bravely fought him off.

Wearing a Newcastle United top, Thomas Dodds set his sights on the victim near Central Station and ran and walked for around half a mile to keep up with her as she rushed home on her own in the early hours.

As she reached the Gateshead end of the High Level Bridge, he struck, taking her to the ground and making a determined effort to rape her.

However, she stuck her fingers in his mouth and stotted his head off the ground as she courageously fought off his depraved attempt.

The attack took place around 4am after the victim had been out in Newcastle that night and decided to leave the city centre on foot.

Having walked along Stowell Street and past Central Station, she turned right to walk across the High Level Bridge.

Ian Windridge, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court: "In the early hours, the defendant stalked the victim, following her for a considerable distance, running at times and walking at others and waiting until they reached a remote, isolated spot before attacking her with the intention of raping her. She fought back, which prevented the full offence being carried out. He was a complete stranger to her."