SEX ATTACKER FOUND GUILTY OF TRYING TO RAPE JOGGER IN ESTON
A sex attacker has been found guilty of trying to rape a young woman as she went on an early morning run.The victim was knocked to the ground by Michael Wanless on Granwood Road in Eston.
Neighbours ran from their homes after hearing her screams and chased down the attacker until he was collared by police officers.
Wanless, 41, denied his actions but was found guilty following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.
The jury took just 35 minutes to convict him of the offence which occurred on July 17, 2023.
Judge Aisha Wadoodi recommended the Good Samaritans who came to the woman's aid receive commendations for their actions.
Cleveland Police said their help "undoubtedly saved the woman from an even worse fate." Following the case, a spokesperson for the force said: "The man attacked the woman, pulling her violently to the ground but she bravely fought him off whilst screaming for help.
Several local people came to her aid, chasing the man some distance until he was quickly detained by attending police officers." Wanless, of no fixed abode, will be sentenced at the same court on January 9.
