Predator who attacked colleague in staff toilet jailed

The woman courageously fought off Marcus Jones who followed her into the staff toilet at her workplace on Boxing Day last year and attacked her.

 

Despite Jones trying to strangle her, the victim managed to escape the toilet and raise the alarm.

 

Officers blue-lighted to the scene and arrested Jones who had made off from the shop, texting his girlfriend to say he’d lay in wait for the victim.

 

And despite giving a no comment interview, the 22-year-old was charged with false imprisonment, intentional strangulation, attempted sexual assault and assault by beating.

 

Jones, of Witton Park, Bishop Auckland, was due to go to trial after pleading not guilty to some of the charges but changed his pleas at Durham Crown Court and was sentenced to 45 months in prison on Friday (June 19). It was his first offence.

 

DC Hodgson, of South CID, said: “The victim showed remarkable courage, quick thinking, and determination during an extremely distressing ordeal.

 

“Without her actions, the outcome could have been far more serious and her continued bravery in supporting the investigation has been instrumental in bringing Jones to justice.

 

“We remain committed to protecting the public from predators and pursuing those responsible for violence against women and girls so we hope this case helps victims feel reassured that any reports are taken seriously and will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”

 

DC Hodgson added: “Despite Jones being previously unknown to police, his behaviour posed a very serious risk to public safety so we are glad to see him behind bars and hope this gives the victim some comfort so she can start to rebuild her life.”