The victim was on the phone to a friend while walking along the path in broad daylight when Derry Bates approached her from behind and hit her over the back of the head.

He then punched her repeatedly in the face and dragged her by her foot into nearby undergrowth where he tried to rape her.

Two men heard her screams and forced Bates to run off. He was arrested by police nearby after they found him hiding in a bush.

Last month, he was sentenced to eight years in prison as well as five years on extended licence, after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence.

His victim has described the attack, which took place at around 1.30pm on May 24, in a victim statement, which she has agreed to publish in this newspaper.

Derry Bates (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Here is the statement in full:

"On the day I was attacked, I was just walking along a path in Norwich while on a call to a friend when I was attacked by a man who I did not know.

"I was dragged deep into some bushes and punched to the face several times.

"I knew that something very serious was happening and I knew I was in a very dangerous situation.

"I thought I was being robbed so I offered everything I had to the man, but he was not interested in that.

"At this point I knew I was in serious danger and thought I was going to die.

"I thought this was my last day and these were going to be my final moments.

Marriott's Way, Norwich (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) "I handed over my belongings in an attempt to free myself, to save myself, but when I realised that he didn't want them I lost all hope at that moment.

"I remember nothing of the immediate moments after the attack.

"My next proper memories are when I was being taken to hospital and I knew I had survived and was in safe hands.

"I can remember feeling pain, mainly on the left side of my body, my back and my head.

"Over the first 24 hours after the attack I didn't really know where I was. I was confused and dizzy and had the worst, strongest headaches I have ever experienced.

"When I was allowed home from hospital I couldn't eat or sleep, just because of the pain.

"I fed myself with a straw for the first two weeks.

"I literally collapsed as a person in the days and weeks after this attack as I had literally thought that this was the end.

"I am waiting to hear back from the service to which I have been referred by my GP, but I know this is now going to be a long journey.

Derry Bates (inset) and Marriott's Way, Norwich (Image: Norfolk Police/Peter Walsh, Newsquest) "I have no feelings towards the man who did this to me.

"I just don't want anybody to go through what I have been through.

"I want to thank the person who was walking past as they literally saved my life and freed me from this horrible person.

"I also want to thank DC Martin Bentley, Claire (liaison) and everybody at the hospital, and my doctor.

"As a final thought I want to address any woman who has been through a similar situation - don't wait, go to the police and seek advice from doctors and the relevant departments who can help you."

© Eastern Daily Press