CHESTER-LE-STREET MAN JAILED FOR ATTEMPTED CAMPUS RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
A man from Chester-le-Street named Jonathan Cummings was convicted of a serious sexual offence that involved an attempted rape at Durham University.The incident took place late at night, with Cummings wearing a balaclava as he clandestinely entered the student’s accommodation after listening outside her door.
Inside, he threatened her verbally and made an attempt to assault her.
The female victim, an international student, initially succeeded in screaming and resisting him.
Yet, Cummings later returned and strangled her on two occasions, nearly causing her to lose consciousness.
She escaped by fleeing the building in her underwear and took refuge behind a car before seeking assistance.
Evidence from CCTV footage and DNA linked Cummings to the scene, and he later surrendered to police.
It was revealed that Cummings had prior offences, including peeping through windows in 2018 and exposing himself in 2022.
During the trial at Durham Crown Court, Judge Jo Kidd described him as a 'dangerous man' who had been surveilling the area for years, and sentenced him to 20 years in prison—comprising 12 years custodial and 8 years on license.
The court also ordered that he be placed on an indefinite sexual offenders register and a sexual harm prevention order.
The victim noted that she is now suffering from nightmares, sleep issues, and has relocated to her home country due to trauma.
The Senior Crown Prosecutor from CPS North East underscored the careful investigation and planning that resulted in Cummings’ conviction, pointing to the severity and disturbing nature of the attack.
