Man jailed for 12 years for attempted rape

A man who snuck into a house and tried to rape a woman as she lay in her bed has been jailed.

The brave woman managed to fight off Jonathan Cummings and run out of the house and find help.

The attack happened at an address in Durham City in the early hours of April 13.

A CCTV camera inside the house captured the moment 34-year-old Cummings entered the house through the unlocked front door.

He was initially disturbed and left, but minutes later, he returned to the address once again and approached the bedroom of the woman.

He listened at the door for a short while before entering the room and attacking the woman, who was lying in her bed looking on her phone.

The terrified woman screamed and fought off Cummings, before running from her room and out of the house to call for help at a neighbouring property.

A police investigation was launched by Durham Constabulary, with specially trained officers supporting the woman throughout.

Cummings, of Chester-le-Street, was arrested a few days later and charged with attempted rape, trespass with intent to commit a sexual act and two counts of intentional strangulation.

He admitted the offences at a hearing in May and appeared at Durham Crown Court today where he was jailed for 12 years and will serve a further eight years on extended licence.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

In a victim impact statement, the woman said: “Hearing that he pleaded guilty to travelling from his address to Durham and sneaking into my home with an intent to commit rape has terrified me.

“Knowing he went to such lengths and that I was in private, where nobody could have come to help me, made my heart sink with dread. I can’t bear to imagine what he would have done to my body afterwards if he had raped me, so I am thankful that I managed to break free.

“I have been receiving incredible support from family, friends and police since the incident, and I have been seeing a private therapist to help me deal with the trauma.

“I really would not have coped without them. This was something nobody could ever prepare for, so I just didn’t have the coping mechanisms.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Smiles, who led the investigation, said: “This was a truly terrifying and violent attack on a woman in her own home, who bravely fought off her attacker and then raised the alarm.

“She has shown immense courage and bravery both during the incident, and throughout the subsequent criminal justice process.

“Her strength has prevailed, and her attacker has been handed a lengthy prison sentence. I hope that this will allow her to begin the healing process and put this horrific incident behind her.”

He added: “Cummings is an extremely dangerous predator who clearly poses a significant risk to women. I am pleased he is now behind bars and cannot hurt anyone else.

“If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, please tell us – you will be listened to, and we will believe you.

“We know it can be difficult, but we have specially trained officers who will support you every step of the way.”

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 www.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 www.247sexualabusesupport.org.uk