Derry Bates jailed for eight years for Marriott's Way attack

Derry Bates, 44, was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and committing an offence, with intent to commit a sexual offence, against a woman on the Marriott's Way on May 24 this year.

Bates, who did not attend his sentencing at King's Lynn Court, was jailed for eight years with a five year extended licence.

Recorder Michael Turner said: "This was a violent attack and there is no doubt you were intent upon a violent sexual assault at least and full rape at the very worst.

"In a cowardly attack on her you came up from behind, hitting her around the head before dragging her a short distance down Marriott's Way into the edge of the woodland.

The attack happened along Marriott's Way on May 24 this year (Image: Newsquest)

"It is clear to me that you represent a significant risk to women and have shown contempt for the trial process with refusal, without cause, to attend."

Bates was found guilty of the attack by a jury of seven men and five women on November 26. It took an hour and 20 minutes to come to a unanimous verdict.

The court heard how the woman initially thought she was being robbed after she was hit on the head.

She tried to give the man her handbag, purse and phone saying she "didn't care about these things". 

Derry Bates was sentenced to eight years imprisonment and five years extended licence (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

However, Bates repeatedly punched her in the face and dragged her into a wooded area, where he went on to pull down her tracksuit bottoms and underwear.

The woman told the court "I thought I was going to die" during the attack, which took place in broad daylight at around 1.30pm.

Two men who were working nearby responded to the woman's screams. They found her on the floor with Bates crouched over her, before the predator ran off.

The offense happened roughly a week after Bates had been released for the third time, on a life licence. He was previously convicted of three robberies against "lone women" in February 2006.

Bates was said to have hit the woman around the head before dragging her into the edge of the woodland (Image: Newsquest)