MATT MELLOR SENTENCED IN NORTHAMPTON FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE AND WEAPONS OFFENCES
A man identified as Matt Mellor, standing approximately 6 feet 10 inches tall, has been linked to a serious assault that occurred late at night in the Midlands.Mellor pleaded guilty to attempted rape during a court appearance yesterday.
He also admitted to possessing a bladed weapon and breaching a sexual harm prevention order previously issued against him following a prior offence.
The incident took place on February 26 in Northampton, where Mellor began stalking a young woman on Wellingborough Road.
He assaulted her by grabbing her and dragging her to the ground before attempting to rape her at knifepoint.
The victim managed to attract the attention of local residents, who came outside to assist her as Mellor fled the scene.
He was subsequently arrested later that day.
Lead Investigator Detective Constable Adam Kelly described Mellor as a very large individual, noting, "Matt Mellor is about 6ft 10in in height, and his actions on that night would have been an absolutely terrifying experience for this woman who should have been able to walk wherever she liked without fear of such an attack." He praised the victim's bravery, stating, "She showed tremendous bravery in fighting him off whilst shouting for help, and I would like to thank her for her support and courage during our investigation." Detective Kelly also expressed gratitude to local residents and businesses, highlighting their assistance in providing CCTV footage that helped piece together the crime.
Concluding, Detective Kelly emphasized the importance of removing such dangerous offenders from the streets, adding, "To be able to take such a dangerous offender off the streets helps to make Northamptonshire a safer place for people to go about their daily business.
I now expect it will be a long time before Mellor is released from prison, which is great news."
