Man jailed for trying to rape Derbyshire woman as she walked home

Maxwell Shelbourne, formerly of Underwood, admitted the offences at the earliest opportunity, pleaded guilty and was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual touching.

The 22-year-old approached the woman in the early hours of Sunday 16 January as she was walking along Cromford Road in Langley Mill. He stopped her and asked for a cigarette, then tried to hug and kiss her and despite her saying no, insisted he walked her home.

After a short while he tried to kiss her again, and despite the victim struggling, he sexually assaulted and tried to rape her. They continued to struggle, and the woman managed to run home.

She reported what happened to her the following day and Sherbourne was identified following a public appeal.

He was charged and remanded into custody after appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on Thursday 27 January.

The trial was heard at Derby Crown Court, and Shelbourne was jailed for five and a half years following sentencing.

MORE NEWS: 'It's turned into a living nightmare' – Clay Cross mum’s heartbreak after year-long wait to resolve issues with dream new-build home

Shelbourne will also be on the sex offender register for life and has an indefinite restraining order to prevent him from contacting the victim.

Detective Constable Danielle Lynch of our Public Protection Unit was the officer in charge of the case. She said: “Firstly I’d like to thank the strength of the victim showed in coming forward and reporting this horrendous crime against her. She has shown incredible courage throughout the investigation and court process.

“We would also like to thank members of the public who supported this investigation by coming forward as part of our appeal as they really helped us to bring this man to justice.”

DC Lynch added: “I hope this case will give others who have survived sexual offences the confidence to report incidents like these, knowing that we will listen and investigate professionally and sensitively.

“We are working with partners to ensure we are making Derbyshire a safe place for everyone and have specially trained officers who, alongside organisations including Derbyshire based SV2, support victims of sexual violence, and can provide advice and ongoing support.”

A Police spokesperson added: “If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, sexual assault or another sexual offence please reach out for help and support.

“You can report online via a Rape and Sexual Assault reporting tool on our website, whether it is something that's happened to you, or to someone else, by clicking here: Report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences

“Details can be given anonymously if you wish, and we won't judge you; we'll treat you with respect, and will always put your health and wellbeing first.”

Alternatively, you can contact police via:

Facebook – send a private message to their Facebook page

Twitter – direct message the contact centre via @DerPolContact

Phone – call on 101

If you are not ready to talk to the police then you can contact a range of different partner agencies who will provide you with support, advice and medical help.

For information, details on how to report and to find out the support services available in Derbyshire, please click here: Support services for rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences.