Attempted rapist jailed for attacking lone teenager in Darlington park

A man who tried to rape a teenager as she walked through a park has been given a 14-year extended prison sentence.

Malcolm Clixby attacked the girl in South Park, in Darlington, at around 4.50pm on November 2 last year.

The 43-year-old followed the teenager as she walked to a party before grabbing her from behind and trying to rape her.

She managed to bite Clixby’s hand several times, which caused him to let go of her, and she ran to a nearby petrol station for help.

Police were called and a search for the suspect was launched, while officers safeguarded the young woman.

Later that evening, just before 8pm, Clixby attended Darlington Police Station to hand himself in.

Before being placed in cuffs, he told officers: “I want to report an incident I have done – I groped somebody in South Park and attempted to rape her.”

Clixby, of Darlington, was questioned by detectives and later charged with attempted rape and sexual assault.

He admitted sexual assault, but denied attempted rape. However, a jury sitting at Durham Crown Court found him guilty of the offence following a trial.

Clixby appeared back at court today (October 9) where he received a 14-year extended sentence, comprising of eight years in prison and six years on extended licence.

In a victim impact statement, the young woman said: “This incident has affected me in a lot of ways – in the first month I couldn’t leave the house and I didn’t go to college or work, so it has affected my career.

“It has had a massive impact on my social life – I was so anxious about going out so I stopped going out with my friends.

“It stopped me sleeping – I had really bad, vivid dreams about what happened that night.

“The biggest impact this has had on me is the fact that it caused me to have such bad anxiety. This was something I never suffered with before this incident, and it has impacted my future studying. I have decided to take a gap year from university because, although I am getting better, I do not feel as though at the minute I could deal with the stresses from this, so it has been postponed.”

Detective Constable Subhaan Ali, of Darlington CID, led the investigation. He said: “Firstly, I want to commend the bravery and resilience of the survivor, who has shown incredible courage in reporting her ordeal to police and seeing the case through to court.

“Every step of the way, she has been determined to support our investigation and has done everything she can to help secure a conviction and get the justice she deserves.

“Clixby deliberately and opportunistically targeted the girl as she walked alone to a party – he turned what should have been an enjoyable evening with friends into a horrific nightmare that will have a significant and profound impact on her for many years to come.

“He clearly poses a significant risk to lone women and girls, so I am pleased to see him receive a substantial prison sentence.

“I can only hope that the survivor and her family can take some comfort from this 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 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 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