A young man who sexually assaulted and tried to rape a woman as she was walking home has been jailed. Maxwell Shelbourne, approached the woman in the early hours of Sunday, January 16 as she was walking home after a night out.
The creep stopped his victim and asked for a cigarette, before trying to hug and kiss her and despite her saying no, insisted he walked her home. Shelbourne then attempted to kiss the woman again, and despite the victim struggling, he sexually assaulted and tried to rape her.
A court heard they continued to struggle, and the woman managed to run home. She reported what happened to her the following day and Shelbourne, from Langley Mill, was identified following a public appeal.
The 22-year-old was charged and remanded into custody after appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on in January. A trial took place at Derby Crown Court, and Shelbourne was jailed for five and a half years following sentencing on Friday, June 24, according to Derbyshire Live.
Shelbourne, formerly of Alfreton Road, Underwood, Nottinghamshire, will also be on the sex offender register for life. He is also the subject of an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim.
Detective Constable Danielle Lynch of Derbyshire Police’s Public Protection Unit was the officer in charge of the case. She said: “Firstly I’d like to thank the strength of the victim showed in coming forward and reporting this horrendous crime against her.
“She has shown incredible courage throughout the investigation and court process. We would also like to thank members of the public who supported this investigation by coming forward as part of our appeal as they really helped us to bring this man to justice.”
DC Lynch added: “I hope this case will give others who have survived sexual offences the confidence to report incidents like these, knowing that we will listen and investigate professionally and sensitively. We are working with partners to ensure we are making Derbyshire a safe place for everyone and have specially trained officers who, alongside organisations including Derbyshire based SV2, support victims of sexual violence, and can provide advice and ongoing support.”
Police are urging victims of rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence to reach out for help and support. Derbyshire Police said: “If you are not ready to talk to the police then you can contact a range of different partner agencies who will provide you with support, advice and medical help.”
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