An Ipswich man branded a ‘predator’ has been found guilty of trying to rape a woman as she waited for a train at a deserted Suffolk railway station.
A jury at Ipswich Crown Court took less than two hours today to convict 24-year-old Sam Duncan of assaulting the woman while she was sitting on a bench at Melton station at around 9.45 pm on July 19 last year.
Adjourning sentence until the week commencing April 24 for a report to consider if Duncan should be treated as a dangerous offender, Judge Martyn Levett described the offences as “serious”.
He said Duncan had two previous convictions for indecent exposure and the current offences were an escalation in his offending in terms of the seriousness of the offences.
After the case, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Ian Trantum, said a clear description of Duncan given by his victim was crucial to solving the case.
He added: “Likewise, the overwhelming support of the community of Melton almost certainly helped us in identifying Duncan and arresting him.
“This was a frightening and extremely upsetting experience for this young lady who demonstrated extraordinary bravery and courage through. I would pay tribute to her commitment to bring Duncan to justice.
“Thankfully, serious sexual assaults like this are very rare and the victim and the community can be safe in knowing that this predatory and aggressive man is now facing a jail sentence.”
The court heard that Duncan, who was wearing motor-cycling clothing, had approached the woman and said: “Hello sexy”.
He had then walked away before returning and stood a short distance away from her before putting on his cycle helmet and indecently exposing himself to her.
Duncan told the 20-year-old woman:”You are going to get it tonight,” before taking hold of her head with both hands and attempting to orally rape her.
Duncan, of Alan Road, pleaded not guilty to attempting to orally rape the woman on July 19 and indecent exposure on the same date and was convicted of both offences after a five day trial.
He denied sexually assaulting the woman and claimed he had undone his trousers to urinate.
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