Life sentence for sex attacker

Atkinson drove from Kirkby-in-Ashfield to Newquay

A man who drove hundreds of miles to attack a woman with a wheel brace has been jailed for life.

Stanley Atkinson, 39, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, assaulted the woman in Newquay, Cornwall, and then sexually abused her.

Atkinson pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and indecent assault on the 28-year-old housewife in August.

Prosecutor Tony Randall told Truro Crown Court that Atkinson drove from his home to Newquay intending to attack a woman.

He followed the woman along a footpath, hit her three times on the head and then dragged her into bushes and sexually abused her.

After carrying out the attack he drove back to his home and was arrested 11 days later.

The court was told the victim was now afraid to walk alone, her social life was ruined and she and her husband were leaving the area.