A 74-YEAR-OLD woman was sexually assaulted in the doorway of her York home before she was rescued by a passer-by who heard her screams for help.
The Good Samaritan, who stopped the intruder from escaping, has now been praised by police for his actions.
The attacker forced his way into the pensioner’s home, in the Micklegate area, on Sunday afternoon, as she was opening her door, then pushed her over and sexually assaulted her.
When the rescuer heard her shouts for help, he rushed to her aid, ordered the attacker not to move, and dialled 999.
He is now set to be formally praised for his action by North Yorkshire Police after the victim contacted the force.
Sgt Neil Wood, of the Micklegate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The guy did a very good job.
“The man who assaulted the woman was quite drunk and was staggering about.
“The other man stood over him, told him he was not to move until the police arrived, and phoned the emergency services. Police arrived very quickly and the man was arrested.
“If the guy had not done what he had done, the man might have got away and done something else. He did a really great job and should be praised.
“The woman in question has already got in touch with North Yorkshire Police to send a letter to thank him for his actions.”
The 74-year-old victim is said to be shaken, but is now recovering after the attack. None of the people in case, nor the precise street, can be named for legal reasons.
• Stephen William Hawes, 25, appeared before York Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with one count of knowingly and recklessly trespassing on premises with intent to commit a sexual offence and another count of sexual assault. He is due to appear before the court again on March 14.
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