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A detective who led enquiries into a horrific incident where a vulnerable woman narrowly escaped being raped has paid tribute to the victim as her attacker was jailed on Friday 15 May.
The offence happened last October in Middlesbrough after Nallathamby Selvaratnam, aged 56, appeared to befriend the vulnerable woman in the town centre.
But when they were both at his flat afterwards he suddenly demanded sex and when she refused, he dragged her around tearing at her clothes and pursuing her while threatening her with a hammer.
The woman managed to run from the house barefoot and partially clothed to seek help.
Officers immediately put safeguarding measures in place for the woman and Selvaratnam was arrested that evening.
And officer in the case Detective Constable Nancie Mitton from Middlesbrough CID offered the victim further support from our specialist local agencies while she continued her investigation; Selvaratnam was subsequently charged with attempted rape and remanded to appear at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.
He denied his actions and was further remanded until a trial at Teesside Crown Court where the jury found him guilty.
He received a sentence of 11 years with five years extended licence.
DC Mitton paid tribute to the woman’s bravery in reporting her horrific ordeal and for supporting the investigation right until its conclusion. She said:
“This was an absolutely horrifying thing to have gone through and this lady must have been completely terrified during and after the incident.
“She has shown incredible bravery, strength and dignity throughout and I can’t praise her highly enough. I hope that today’s result will allow her some closure, and I wish her all the very best as she continues to rebuild her life.
“Selvaratnam is a violent and dangerous individual and I’m sure the victim shares my relief that he’ll now spend a significant amount of time in prison.
“I am concerned, though, that there may be other people out there who have suffered at his hands, and I urge them urge them to come forward to police in complete confidence so we can seek justice for them as well.
“Finally, I’d remind anyone who is victim of rape or any form of sexual offences that there’s help available from our excellent local agencies and even if they don’t want to report to police, help is available from these organisations.”