Englishman Jailed for Trying to Rape Student

A man has been jailed indefinitely for attempting to rape a 21-year-old student in Nottingham.

Christopher Noble, 20, of Milverton Road, Bestwood Park, followed the Nottingham Trent University student through the Lace Market on June 5 before attacking her.

He grabbed her from behind and dragged her by the throat up to Malin Hill, where he tried to rape her. He fled after being disturbed by a passer-by.

The woman reported the incident to the police and detectives mounted an extensive investigation to find her attacker, which included CCTV footage. Within hours, a number of people contacted the police positively identifying the attacker as Christopher Noble.

"This was a vicious attack on a vulnerable young woman who was walking home alone. Noble stalked her through the city before seizing the opportunity to attack and sexually assault her. She thought he was going to kill her and I believe the assault could have been significantly worse had he not been disturbed by a member of the public," Detective Chief Inspector Mat Healey said in a statement.

He said, "The young woman involved in this incident has displayed tremendous strength and courage throughout this ordeal and I pay tribute to her today for her bravery in coming forward and seeking a prosecution."

Noble was charged with attempted rape and sexual assault and has been handed an indeterminate prison sentence for public protection. However, he will only be released in future if a parole board is satisfied he does not pose a risk to the public.

He will serve a minimum of three years in prison, minus the 151 days he has already served. He will also be placed on the sex offenders' register for life.