Attempted rapist jailed for life after attacking teenager in woods

A sex offender, described by a judge as “the living embodiment of every woman and girl’s nightmare”, will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he tried to rape a teenage girl.

Christopher Bates was told by Her Honour Judge Kidd “you are the very reason parents warn girls how to defend themselves” as she jailed him for life at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (June 26).

Bates attacked the girl as she walked in Eldon Woods, near Bishop Auckland, on the afternoon of April 10 this year.

The 37-year-old pretended to be lost and asked her for directions out of the woods before performing a sex act on himself.

The terrified girl sprinted away but was caught by Bates, who dragged her to the ground and tried to rape her.

In an attempt to stop him, the girl told Bates she was ten years old, to which he replied: “I don’t care” and continued his attack.

She managed to shout to a passer-by for help, which caused Bates to flee the scene.

Police were called and Bates was arrested in the woods a short time later.

He was charged with attempted rape of a girl aged 13 to 15, which he admitted, and was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing.

Bates appeared at court yesterday where he was jailed for life.  

In her summing up, the judge praised the passer-by for her help in assisting the young girl and getting her to safety.

In a victim impact statement, the girl’s mother said: “The incident has had a profound effect on my daughter. She used to go for walks for hours – now I am lucky if she goes out of the house for ten minutes.

“As a family it’s hard to watch her go through this as she has started taking it out on me and her sibling. She has started to become aggressive towards us as she doesn’t know why it’s happened to her.

“When we go shopping, if a man comes past her, she starts to get scared, hiding behind her dad and we then have to leave the shops and go home.

“The woods used to be her safe place. However, she is so afraid she cannot go there anymore.”

Detective Constable Dave Taylor, from South Durham CID, led the investigation. He said: “This was an appalling and horrific crime that will have a significant and profound impact on the young girl for many years to come.

“Christopher Bates targeted a young, vulnerable girl in a secluded, isolated area in a very predatory way which showed clear evidence of pre-planning.

“He poses a significant risk to lone women and girls which is reflected in the sentence.

“I would like to take this opportunity to praise the bravery of the young girl who has shown remarkable courage throughout this investigation, which will have had a profound impact on her both mentally and physically.

“I only hope that she, her family, and the community as a whole can take some comfort from the significant sentence imposed and that she is able to move forward with her life again.”

To report a rape or sexual assault, call Durham Constabulary on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

If you’re more comfortable reporting online, you can visit our online reporting page here www.durham.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

If you’re not ready to speak to police, there are other agencies who can help:

• The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre provides free, confidential healthcare and compassionate support to people who have experienced rape or sexual assault. Call 0330 223 0099 or visit sarcdurham.co.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is available 24/7 and provides support for anyone who has been affected by rape or sexual assault. Call 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
• The Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (RSACC) offers free, specialist support to anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Call 01325 354119, email [email protected]or visit rsacc-thecentre.org.uk