Man jailed after woman in her 70s fought off attempted rape in Sheffield park

A man who tried to rape a woman in her 70s as she walked through a Sheffield park has been jailed after she bravely fought him off and helped police identify her attacker.

Police received reports of a man assaulting and attempting to rape a woman as she walked through Concord Park in Sheffield on Wednesday (Mar 25).

The man fled the scene after the woman fought him off.

Officers responded and the woman, who is in her 70s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Detectives used a detailed account provided by the victim, along with information from a nearby witness, to identify 25-year-old Ali Askre as a suspect. He was arrested within four hours of the attack.

During the attack, the woman managed to recall key details about Askre which later helped detectives identify him through CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Footage recovered by officers included a clip showing a man wearing a balaclava and gloves making his way towards the park after leaving a property where Askre would later be arrested.

Once in police custody, Askre made a full admission and detailed his premeditated plan to attack and rape a woman. He also told officers where he had discarded items of clothing while fleeing the scene.

Askre, 25, from Sheffield, was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and attempted rape.

He pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced on Monday (Oct 5) to an extended sentence of 20 years, comprising 12 years in custody and an extended licence period of eight years.

Detective Constable Daniel Lilley, the officer in charge of the case, said: "I would like to recognise the immense strength of the victim in this case. She provided us with crucial information in the immediate aftermath of this horrendous ordeal and has shown immeasurable courage throughout the justice process.

"Although no sentence will ever undo the trauma she has experienced, I hope this result provides some reassurance that her bravery has ensured a dangerous man has been taken off of the streets of South Yorkshire.

"This was planned attack by a vile man who showed no care for anyone else as long it furthered his selfish and perverted aims. I am pleased that he will now be put behind bars and unable to cause even more pain to our communities.”