Victim's 'courage' helps jail would-be park rapist

A man who attempted to rape a woman in her 70s as she walked through a park has been jailed for 12 years.

South Yorkshire Police said the victim "bravely" fought off 25-year-old Ali Askre when he attacked her in Concord Park, Sheffield, on the morning of 25 March.

The force said the woman, who was left seriously injured, gave police a detailed account of the assault and Askre was arrested within a matter of hours.

Askre, of Torksey Road West, Sheffield, admitted to police to a pre-meditated plan to attack a woman. He later pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted raped.

He was jailed on Monday at Sheffield Crown Court for 12 years, and told he would serve an additional eight years on licence following his release.

Det Con Daniel Lilley commended the woman's "immense strength" throughout.

He said: "She provided us with crucial information in the immediate aftermath of this horrendous ordeal and has shown immeasurable courage throughout the justice process.

"This was planned attack by a vile man who showed no care for anyone else as long it furthered his selfish and perverted aims.

"Although no sentence will ever undo the trauma she has experienced, I hope this result provides some reassurance that her bravery has ensured a dangerous man has been taken off of the streets of South Yorkshire."

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