Man jailed for trying to rape 12-year-old girl in a bush

A 21-year-old man has been jailed for 11 year after he tried to rape a 12-year-old girl as well as a 48-year-old woman on the same day — after he consumed alcohol, drugs and watched child porn.

Police found Daniel Thomas, formerly of Long Row, Newark-on-Trent, hiding in the garden of a house after a lengthy foot chase involving numerous officers and a police dog.

Officers were chasing him on March 17, 2018, after a report that morning that a 48-year-old woman was grabbed by a man while she was running along a footpath near London Road, Balderton.

He pulled her to the ground before she managed to kick out at him, causing him to run away.

Later that day, a 13-year-old girl rang 999, saying that a man had grabbed her friend, held a weapon to her throat and dragged her into a bush.

Thomas then tried to pull the 12-year-old girl’s trousers down, before she began screaming out to a family walking nearby and he ran off.

This attack took place within a short distance of the first one. Thomas was arrested within half an hour of the second offence.

He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to carry out a sexual offence, attempt rape of a girl under 13 and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court was told that he had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine while watching child porn before the attack on the young girl.

Thomas had been on remand since he first appeared in court in March.

He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on August 20 to eight years for attempt rape of a girl under 13, three years for assault with intent to commit a relevant sexual act, to be served consecutively and 12-months for possession of an offensive weapon to be served concurrently.

He will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life and will be subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Nottinghamshire Police DC Julia Mahan said: “I want to commend the bravery of the victims, as well as the young girl who made the 999 call. She managed to remain calm and give as many details to the control room as she could, assisting the control room in recognising it was connected to the earlier offence and enabling them to direct officers to the area immediately.

“No one should have to go through something as traumatic this, especially a child. I’m sure the events of that day will remain with the victims for a long time, but I hope that the sentence will go some way in helping them to move forward.

“During questioning, Thomas was arrogant throughout, showing a total disrespect towards women and how he perceived them.

“He knew the area, he knew it was quiet and secluded and he went armed with a weapon. The intent was there as he went back again hours after the first attack. He more than deserves to be spending his twenties behind bars.”