A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted on a York cycle track fought back by punching and biting her attacker, York Crown Court was told.

A judge, locking assailant James Raynor up for 32 months, said he had no doubt the assault would have been even more serious, had it not been for the woman’s “extraordinary bravery”.

But the Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC, also said the attack had had a “profound” impact on the young woman, making her lose her confidence, and affecting her work and ability to sleep.

“She is waking up to six times a night,” he said.

He told Raynor, 20, of Ambleside Avenue, Tang Hall: “You saw her as an easy and vulnerable target.”

Robert Galley, prosecuting, said the woman was walking to work in the city centre along a cycle track from Melrosegate to James Street on the evening of September 24 when Raynor walked towards her and past her with his hood up. She told police later she felt he had a “shifty look”, and she felt worried and fearful.

She then realised he was running back towards her from behind and he grabbed her by the shoulder and then around the groin.

She struggled, pulled his hair hard, bit him on the hand and punched him in the face. He called her "crazy" and started walking away, and she called police, who found her shaking and with bloodshot eyes as if she had been crying.

The court was told that Raynor, who had a borderline personality disorder, had previously attacked his father and a sex worker in Cambridgeshire.

Andrea Parnham said in mitigation he was remorseful, extremely ashamed of what he had done and very sorry.

She said he accepted he needed help and would welcome it, and he felt let down, because he had not received the assistance he could have been given.

She said he should receive credit for making a guilty plea to sexual assault at his first appearance, and argued there had not been a significant degree of planning before the attack.

Detective Constable Peter Cooper, of York Serious Crime Team, speaking after the case, said: “This was a cowardly attack and I very much welcome Raynor’s sentence.

“By contrast, the victim showed immense courage when she fought him off and came forward to the police."

He added: “It’s been a horrendous experience for her, but she’s receiving support from specially-trained officers to help her move on in life."

As well as being sent to a young offenders’ institution for 32 months, Raynor was made subject of a five year sexual harm prevention order and placed on the sex offender register indefinitely.