Ipswich man Sam Duncan guilty of trying to rape woman at Melton railway station
Sam Duncan, 24, of Alan Road, Ipswich, has been found guilty of attempted rape and indecent exposure - Credit: Archant
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.
Melton train station, where the attack happened. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown - Credit: Archant
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.
Most Read
- 1 Cannabis dealer jailed after being caught with drugs in Range Rover
- 2 What time will the Red Arrows be flying over Suffolk this weekend?
- 3 Revealed: The top serious crash hotspots in Ipswich
- 4 Neighbours raised alarm after man not seen for several days
- 5 Planning application for new Taco Bell in Ipswich expected 'imminently'
- 6 Suffolk M&S stores to stay open as Colchester shop closes down
- 7 Man who attacked partner after she travelled 10 hours to see him is jailed
- 8 Every household in the UK to get £400 to help with rising energy bills
- 9 Explained: What the cost of living support package means for you
- 10 Teenage boys arrested after police seize suspected class A drugs in Ipswich
“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.
