Man sexually assaulted woman in Consett back alley

Harmandeep Singh followed his victim into the alleyway before carrying out the sickening attack while she was unable to protect herself.

CCTV footage showed the defendant with his victim before he fled the scene, a judge heard.

The 34-year-old attacked the woman after she had spent the night drinking in Consett town centre, Teesside Crown Court heard.

Philip Morley, prosecuting, said the defendant was unknown to the woman until the night he sexually assaulted her.

“The complainant went to urinate behind some bins and whilst doing that the defendant sexually assaulted her,” he said.

“She was alone in the alleyway, heavily intoxicated and urinating, making it difficult for her to escape.

“Albeit, it was short-lived, there were steps taken to stop her getting away at the time. He took hold of her wrists, told her to be quiet and also stamped on her foot leaving a bruise.”

In a victim impact statement, the woman said she was now too scared to leave her home or to go into Consett and was receiving counselling to help her address her trauma.

Harmanpreet Singh (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Singh, of Newmarket Street, Consett, was found guilty of assault by penetration following a trial.

David Callan, representing the defendant, said his client worked in the kitchen of a restaurant after saving up to move to this country from his native Punjab.

“It is an ugly and disgusting offence and the defendant accepts that now,” he added.

Judge Richard Bennett sentenced Singh to three years and six months in custody for the sex attack.

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He said: “On the CCTV recovered from across the road, I was able to hear and watch her protesting when you attacked her.

“While she was protesting, you attacked her again and told her to shut up. You stamped on her foot causing a bruise, when she cried out, you ran from the scene.

“Your assault on her has had a considerable effect and she has struggled to leave her house at times.”

Singh was told that he must sign on the sex offenders’ register for life unless he is deported following his release from custody.