Man who used a dog chain during violent sexual assault branded a 'danger' to women

Aaron McCall lured his victim into a dark underpass with the offer of a crack cocaine pipe before launching his vicious attack which has left the woman traumatised.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the woman’s screams alerted her boyfriend and other passers by to her ordeal and McCall fled the scene near Stockton town centre.

Shaun Dodds, prosecuting, said the defendant approached the victim at around 1am on August 11 last year and persuaded her to go with him and take drugs.

• Pandemic hits drugs supplies in North East - and leads to drop in crime rates

He said as soon as they entered the underpass he hit her with the dog chain before subjecting her to a violent sexual assault as he launched a barrage of vile abuse.

He said: "She fell to the floor and he struck her again with the lead and stamped on her back."

Aaron McCall

The court heard how she temporarily passed out and when she regained consciousness McCall was sexually assaulting her and she screamed for help."

The 29-year-old was recognised by a local takeaway owner after he was caught on CCTV near the area.

The judge heard how the defendant had a previous conviction for an almost identical attack on another woman who he assaulted after promising to share cannabis with her.

McCall, of Smith Street, Stockton, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Mark Styles, in mitigation, said his client had struggled with drugs and alcohol throughout his life and was 'truly sorry' for what he had done to his victim.

Judge Howard Crowson branded McCall a danger to women and passed an extended prison sentence of six years and ten months in custody followed by an additional five years on licence.

He said: “She went with you to an underpass where she expected to share drugs without warning you struck her several times with a heavy chain-type dog lead.

"You insulted her using derogatory language before pushing her to the wall and assaulting her."

Speaking after the hearing, investigating officer, DC James Limon from Cleveland Police, said: “I hope this sentence brings some closure to the victim, who has continued to suffer from the mental scars of that night. I would like to thank the victim for her courage throughout the police investigation and subsequent criminal proceedings.

“I would also like to thank the local businesses in Stockton town centre that came forward to assist police with enquiries and the witnesses that came forward following our public appeals. Together we have succeeded in taking a dangerous offender off the streets.”