Dangerous sexual predator stalked woman through Sunderland streets and launched terrifying attack

Ian Hudson tailed the woman through dark and "unusually quiet" Sunderland before he pounced at around 10.30pm last December 30.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the brave victim, who was on her way home from the shop, fought back while Hudson bit her, gouged her eyes and sexually assaulted her.

A passing student heard her screams, courageously stepped in to help her and was also attacked by Hudson.

The woman said in an impact statement :"I didn't know there was evil out there like him but now I have seen evil and it terrifies me."

Hudson, 42, of no fixed address, denied attempted rape, assault by penetration, two charges of assault and one of strangulation on the woman and one of assault by beating on the man who helped her but was convicted after a trial.

He pleaded guilty to exposure and assault on an emergency worker in relation to his behaviour at the police station after his arrest, where he bragged about the size of his penis and announced: "I've got a massive c***".

Mr Recorder David Gordon jailed Hudson for nine years with a four year extended licence period and lifelong sex offender registration and sexual harm prevention order.

Hudson has been banned from entering into a sexual relationship with any female unless he notifies the police.

Recorder Gordon said Hudson poses a danger to the public and the extreme violence and sexual aggression used in the attack means the risk is heightened.

The recorder said the attack happened during darkness and added: "She describes the streets as unusually quiet, perhaps something to do with the festive season.

"A man, who turned out to be you, suddenly appeared behind her, having emerged from a doorway.

"You followed her closely, with your hood up. She, not surprisingly, felt nervous.

"She was effectively being stalked through the streets of Sunderland in the dead of night."

The court heard the woman had turned and asked Hudson to walk ahead of her at one point but he ignored her.

Eventually she went into a bus stop and sat down in the hope he would pass by but he took the opportunity to attack.

While the woman fought off Hudson's violent and sexual attack, a student who was on his way to Tesco heard her screams and helped her.

The victim said in an impact statement, which was read in court she now panics at the thought of going out of her home but also doesn't feel safe inside.

She believes Hudson would have killed her that night and added: "I fought back and he didn't like it. He couldn't rape me so he assaulted me to try and stop me from fighting him.

"If others hadn't come it would have been me dead."

The woman questioned why Hudson did not admit what he did and added: "Did he take pleasure in hearing what he did to me and making me go through it again?"

The court heard Hudson has previous convictions for violence but not for any sexual offending.

David Callan, defending, said Hudson left school at 13 and "fell through the net of society", having never returned to education, having no real friends and drinking.

Speaking after Hudson's sentencing, Detective Constable Hayley McIntosh, who led the case, said: "The offences which Ian Hudson inflicted on his victim were truly horrific.

"I want to recognise everyone who has helped bring him to justice. First and foremost, the victim for the strength and courage she has and continues to show.

"Secondly, I would like to praise the bravery of the man who intervened in the attack, who showed such concern for a stranger and came to her aid.

"I also want to thank all of those who have worked to build a strong case to further ensure this dangerous and predatory man is behind bars."

Det Con McIntosh added: "While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in our area, we recognise the concern they may cause in our communities.

"When they do occur we are committed to supporting victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

"We want to send a clear message to anyone who has been a victim of any form sexual abuse that we are here for you – please know that we will listen and treat you with empathy, compassion and respect."

To access support or find out more information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape, visit Northumbria Police’s website.

Anyone who has experienced any form of sexual abuse, whether recent or non-recent, can also send the Force a direct message on social media.

Anyone unable to report this way should call 101.