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........

© Eastern Daily Press