MAN JAILED FOR EIGHT YEARS FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE
A man in his twenties has been jailed for the attempted rape of a girl in her late teens at a Kendal property.Twenty-three-year-old Stephen Hodgson, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Carlisle Crown Court today.
A Cumbria Constabulary spokesman said he had been found guilty of 'assault occasioning actual bodily harm and attempt to rape a woman - over 16' at a previous hearing.
Detective Sergeant Duncan Helmn described it as an 'horrendous attack on a young vulnerable girl'.
He said: “The defendant had travelled from West Cumbria to Kendal having been introduced to the victim online.
His intentions were clear from the start, this was evident from the horrific internet searches we found on his phone.
He was only prevented from carrying out the full attack by the key witness in the case, who I want to thank for bravely stepping in.
I also want to thank the victim for the bravery and courage she has shown throughout this ordeal, as well as all the officers involved in ensuring this man faces a lengthy term of imprisonment.
I would urge anyone who has been subject to offences of this nature to come forward, you will be believed and any report will be dealt with professionally and sensitively." Anyone who wishes to report a crime or speak to an officer is asked to contact Cumbria Police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The Bridgeway Sexual Assault Support Service's 24-hour free helpline is available on 0808 118 6432 to those who have been affected by rape or sexual assault.
