A 21-year-old woman has been honored with a bravery award after fighting off a sex attacker by scratching him with her house keys.
The woman (who cannot be named for legal reasons) was followed by Johnathon Holmes for a mile before pushing her into the bushes and attempting a sexual attack.
Holmes, 35, forced her on her back and climbed on top of her, telling her: “You are going to enjoy this.”
But the young woman used her keys to cut his face and bit him shouting “you won’t do that to a woman again”.
Two passers-by heard the woman’s cries for help and Holmes jumped over some railing as he tried to escape, injuring himself in the process.
He was eventually arrested by officers and after pleading guilty to sexual assault, was jailed for four-and-a-half years for the attack at Sheffield Crown Court.
“You displayed an astonishing level of bravery during this investigation, your actions undoubtedly deterred the offender from continuing his assault and your detailed recollection of such a traumatic event, led to the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of a very dangerous criminal.As a husband, as the father of a daughter and behalf of every woman in this city, I commend you.
On behalf of South Yorkshire Police we recognise your bravery, selflessness and truly outstanding courage in helping make this city a safer place for every woman in it.”
– SUPERINTENDENT SCOTT GREEN, SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE source: itv.com
