SICK PREDATOR CARRIED OUT 'TERRIFYING' ATTACK IN BISHOP AUCKLAND
A disturbed individual arranged a "rape tomorrow" alarm prior to committing a "terrifying" assault on a woman in a shop restroom in Bishop Auckland.According to Durham Crown Court, despite being strangled almost to the point of suffocation, the courageous young woman fought off her attacker, 21-year-old Marcus Jones, before fleeing the bathroom and informing store staff.
Jones then fled the scene and later expressed remorse by messaging his partner, confessing what he had done and saying he wanted to take his own life.
Prosecutor Harry Crowson noted that the attack appeared to be premeditated, as evidence showed Jones had condoms with him that day.
Additionally, he had searched online for terms related to “rape, lust fantasy” and had set alarm reminders saying “rape tomorrow.” Mr.
Crowson explained that Jones waited for the victim to visit the restroom, then entered her cubicle, locking the door behind him.
Despite her protests, he remained silent, pushed her to the ground, and tried to strangle her.
The only time Jones displayed any emotion was when he smiled as the woman appeared to become drowsy.
He attempted to control her by reaching for her waistband, but she managed to fight him off and flee in terror, despite him telling her, “I’m not done.
I’m not finished with you.” Now aged 22 and residing at Beddow Court, Witton Park, Jones admitted to four charges related to the incident.
He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, intentional strangulation, attempted sexual assault, and assault by beating.
The court was told that initially, Jones denied that his actions had any sexual component.
However, he changed his plea to guilty just six days before the scheduled trial.
In her victim statement, the woman described feeling profound fear after the incident, even though she was informed that Jones was in custody.
She became hesitant to leave her home, preferring solitude over social outings, and continues to feel unsafe, locking doors vigilantly.
In mitigation, Annelise Haugstad presented a psychological report indicating that Jones is not considered a dangerous offender.
She emphasized that he has no prior convictions and has shown potential for rehabilitation, having taken responsibility for his actions and demonstrated “a clear victim awareness.” Judge Edward Legard told Jones, “This was, on any objective view, an appalling, unprovoked attack on an innocent and vulnerable woman.
It must have been a terrifying ordeal for her.
It was a premeditated, sexually motivated assault on someone who had the right to feel safe and secure.” The judge described it as “quite sinister” that Jones showed no emotion, only smiling as she seemed on the verge of passing out.
He noted that the victim fought fiercely, but in doing so, she believed she was close to passing out or dying.
Nevertheless, she managed to gather enough strength to escape while Jones was making comments like, ‘I’m not finished with you yet.’ The judge also commented on the disturbing references found on Jones’s phone, indicating the attack was “clearly planned.” He stated that her bravery and resistance likely prevented a more serious assault.
Although Jones’s references suggested the incident was “out of character,” the judge considered it significant that his actions might have been influenced by consuming pornographic material depicting rape, which could have contributed to developing rape fantasies.
Sentencing Jones to 45 months in prison, the judge stated he would serve half of that sentence before being eligible for parole, minus time already served on remand.
Additionally, Jones was subjected to restraining orders preventing him from contacting or communicating with his victim or visiting the store for ten years.
He is also required to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
