Rising Sun Country Park sex attack: Alan Rothwell jailed for almost 9 years

Alan Anthony Rothwell pounced on his on his victim from behind as she walked through the Rising Sun Country Park in Benton, North Tyneside, at around 4pm on Monday, March 28.

The 34-year-old sexually assaulted the woman and attempted to rape her before leaving the area, taking the victim's mobile phone and a five-pound note from her phone cover.

Alan Rothwell Picture: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE

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The victim, who was left with an injury to her face and was in a distressed state, ran to safety where she flagged down a passer-by for help, who immediately called police.

Rothwell, of no fixed abode, was swiftly located, arrested and brought in to custody. It took the investigating team just three days to identify, locate, arrest and charge him.

Rothwell, who pleaded guilty at a previous hearing at Newcastle Crown Court to kidnap, attempted rape, two counts of sexual assault and robbery, was today sentenced at the same court to eight years and nine months. 

Passing sentence, Judge Robert Spragg said: "This was an appalling attack on a woman enjoying a walk in broad daylight in a country park, where she should be perfectly safe.

"It was absolutely terrifying for her and any woman's worst nightmare. She showed considerable bravery in trying to fight you off and refusing your demands and bringing you to justice.

"It had a considerable effect on and her her loved ones."

The judge imposed an extended sentence of six years because of the risk that he posed. 

Prosecutor Alex Burns said, the victim had described stopping to see the birds on the ponds during her regular visit in the park and was nearing the end of her walk on a track relatively open when “completely by surprise, she was attacked from behind”.

Mr Burns said: “She described how without any warning she was hit from behind with significant force and grasped tightly – so tightly she could not breathe.

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“She described being partly dragged back down the hill. She tried to fight him off, kicking out, scratching and nipping him. But he held her even tighter and she could not breathe.

“She was really frightened and did not know what was going to happen.”

Rothwell asked her for money but she told him all she had was her phone and £5 which he could have.”

He then sexually assaulted her and pushed her to the ground and attempted to rape her, as she begged him to let her go, the court heard.

After Rothwell fled, the victim, who suffered a cut lip, encountered a passerby who helped her.

The court was told Rothwell he had 62 previous convictions, including for aggravated burglary and robbery - but none of a sexual nature.

Andrew Walker, mitigating, said Rothwell had pleaded guilty within a relatively short period of time, sparing the victim the need of having to give evidence.

He added, a sentencing report noted “defendant’s shame is very substantial” and he “struggles to comprehend the behaviour that he exhibited that day”.

Northumbria Police said after appealing to the public for help to track down the unknown suspect after the attack, the team of detectives received more than 100 responses in the first 24-hours with each piece of information being carefully investigated.

Officers also carried out extensive searches of the park's 400 acre stretch and multiple access points while detectives trawled hours of CCTV footage.

But it was the irrefutable DNA evidence found on a pair of latex gloves recovered just 150 metres from the scene of the attack that had been described by the victim that placed Rothwell to the scene of the crime.

Watching in court as the sentence was passed down, lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Hudson has praised the bravery of the victim and believes it was with her support and the vital information received from the public that means this dangerous man is behind bars.

DCI Shelley Hudson 2

She said: "This has been a terrifying ordeal for the victim and I commend the bravery and strength she, and her family, have shown throughout.

"I hope today's outcome can bring a sense of closure for the victim and reassure our communities that action will be taken to seek justice and protect people.

"Thankfully, attacks of this nature are very rare in our area, however when incidents like this do occur we are absolutely committed to using every tactic at our disposal to catch those responsible.

"With thanks to all those who shared our appeals and came forward with information, Rothwell was identified as the key suspect, located, arrested and charged within three days – and this dangerous man is now off our streets and behind bars.

"Protecting the vulnerable is our absolute priority and any report of sexual violence will be taken seriously with support provided to victims.

"I would urge anyone who has any concerns for their safety, or the safety of others, to please report it to police."

A statement read out in court on behalf of the victim said: "To be attacked robbed and sexually assaulted by a person who had clearly set out that day to harm someone was terrifying and humiliating.

“I can't refer to this person as a man as he behaved like an animal. I know this type of attack is rare and that I was very unlucky that day to come across this person. I have recovered physically but emotionally I now feel vulnerable and nervous when out alone.

"My family have also had to deal with the shock and horror of this attack. Fortunately for me, I have wonderful family and friends to support me, and I have exceptional men in my life who have been horrified and disgusted by this attack.

"I am very grateful to everyone who came to my assistance that day. Also, to the hard work and dedication of Northumbria Police who apprehended this person so quickly."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “My thoughts are with the survivor of this horrific crime who has shown such strength and bravery following her incredibly distressing ordeal.

"It’s thanks to her and the excellent investigative work by Northumbria Police that this dangerous sexual predator is now behind bars. This was a truly sickening crime against a woman in a park – a place where all of us are entitled to feel and be safe.

"Understandably, this has brought fear and concern to the local community and I hope today’s outcome brings reassurance to local women. This case just highlights why we need to keep doing everything we can to make sure women and girls are safe in our region.”

If you see something that doesn't look or feel right or you have any concerns about your safety, or the safety of someone else, please always report it to police via the Tell Us Something pages via the Northumbria Police website or contact us on 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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