A man who followed a woman as she walked home from a night out and sexually assaulted her has been put behind bars.
Daniel Theobald trailed his victim as she walked through Newcastle city centre in the early hours of October 16 last year.
The woman was initially walking with a friend but as they split up to go their separate ways, Theobald continued to follow the victim before closing the gap and grabbing a hold of her.
She then fell on the floor and when she did, Theobald sexually assaulted her before walking away.
The victim went back to her home and notified officers within Northumbria Police of her ordeal.
CCTV footage was swiftly obtained from various locations in the city centre and showed Theobald following his victim in the moments leading up to the attack.
He was arrested at his home address on suspicion of sexual assault.
In interview, the 23-year-old gave no comment to all questions put to him. He was subsequently charged with sexual assault after CCTV and financial transactions linked him to the offence.
Theobald, of Burlington Gardens, in Heaton, Newcastle, admitted the charge in a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court.
At the same court on Monday, March 27, he was given a two-year jail sentence and was also placed on the sex offenders register for the next 10 years.
Following the conclusion of the case, Detective Constable Elliott Price, of Northumbria Police, said: “Theobald put his victim through a horrifying ordeal in which she was attacked as she walked home from an evening out.
“No-one should be subjected to what she was put through on that night and we hope that the sentence handed down goes some way to providing a degree of closure for her.
“She has shown immense bravery throughout this process.
“No-one should ever have to endure this type of assault and support is available from our officers and the many fantastic charities we work closely with.
“If you have ever been a victim of any type of sexual assault, we’re here for you.”
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DC Price added: “Theobald acted in a predatory manner to sexually assault a young woman under cover of darkness. That is wholly unacceptable and we are glad that he is now behind bars.”
For support or more information on how to disclose sexual assault or rape, visit Northumbria Police’s website.
To make a report, contact police on 101 or report online via the Force’s website.
In an emergency, always call 999.
