Killingworth Rapist Faces Prison Decade After Failed Attack

A sex attacker identified as Kenneth Herron is facing a jail sentence more than ten years after attempting to forcibly rape a young mother at her home. The incident took place in July 1995 in Killingworth, where Herron entered the woman's house armed with a seven-inch kitchen knife after she left her door open to cool the house. Herron tore at her clothes, molested her, and tried to rape her. The victim, aged 23 at the time, was frightened the entire time, especially worried that her daughter, who was nearby at a neighbour's house, might return and witness the attack. Herron fled the scene when he heard a car outside. Despite a major police investigation, Herron was not initially caught, though he left saliva on a child's top used as a makeshift mask during the attack. This DNA evidence, which matched a rare profile, led to his conviction after a three-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Herron, then 35, of Eider Walk, Killingworth, denied the attempted rape, claiming he was there to burgle and used his victim's daughter's top to cover his face. He also stated he fled without seeing the woman after hearing her in another room. The victim testified how she feared for her life and her daughter's safety during the assault. Herron was remanded in custody and was due to be sentenced on July 22, 2007.