DEVON CRITCHLOW

MAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT

On September 24, 2024, just before midnight, 21-year-old Devon Critchlow forced his way into a stranger's home in Ashington after the woman at the door mistook him for someone else.

Critchlow restrained the woman by pinning her down, assaulted her by punching her in the face, and then sexually assaulted her, also placing his hands around her neck during the attack.

Following her resistance, Critchlow stood up, left the property, and closed the door behind him.

The victim reported the assault to the police, who responded promptly to the scene and began an investigation.

CCTV footage captured a man walking home with the victim, which helped identify him.

Northumbria Police appealed publicly for assistance in recognising the individual.

Within a few hours, several members of the public identified Critchlow as the suspect, leading to his arrest and interrogation in connection with the case.

During the investigation, officers recovered a black jacket consistent with the CCTV images from the scene.

Fingerprint analysis also confirmed Critchlow's involvement.

The day after his arrest, Critchlow, residing on Rochester Close in Ashington, was formally charged with multiple offenses.

In January, he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to four charges: assault, non-fatal strangulation, sexual assault, and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence.

On Wednesday, Critchlow was sentenced at the same court to five years and three months in prison, with an additional five years on licence following his release.

He will also remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and was subject to a restraining order to prevent contact with the victim.