The victim described the ordeal as ‘extremely traumatising’ and said she was still ‘recovering from this, weeks later.’

A Derbyshire man has been sentenced after subjecting a woman to a terrifying attack on a river path.

The incident took place at about 8.40am on Monday, November 17 last year, when James Daniels, 19, attacked a woman walking along a river path off Riverside Road, Pride Park, in Derby.

Daniels, of Broomhill Avenue, Ilkeston, pulled his victim into bushes along the path and threatened her with a knife.

After a struggle, the 23-year-old woman managed to get away with minor injuries whilst Daniels fled the scene.

The brave victim ran towards a passing cyclist and managed to call police.

Officers were dispatched to the scene and conducted extra high-visibility patrols as they searched for the suspect.

The investigating team also reviewed CCTV footage and sifted through information received from a public appeal for witnesses.

Thanks to collaborative work between officers and the community, Daniels was tracked down and arrested the following day on Tuesday, November 18.

The 19-year-old, of Broomhill Avenue, Ilkeston, was charged with assault by beating, possession of a knife/sharp pointed article in a public place, threatening a person with a blade/sharply pointed article in a public place and false imprisonment.

In a statement to police, the victim described the ordeal as ‘extremely traumatising’ and that she is still ‘recovering from this, weeks later.’

Daniels pleaded guilty to the offences and was given a hospital order during a sentencing hearing at Derby Crown Court on Thursday, October 22.

Detective Inspector Nicola Musson said: “Daniels’ actions were absolutely horrendous in subjecting an innocent victim to such a terrifying attack.

“The incident has had a profound effect on the woman involved and the consequences for the victim are always at the forefront of our minds when we investigate any crime.

“Thanks to the bravery of the victim, coupled with the investigative work by officers and assistance from members of the public, Daniels was caught and has now been sentenced for his crimes.”