A man has been jailed following an attack on a woman in Hanley and trying to steal a mobile phone from a 12-year-old girl in Chell last year.
Craig Fairclough, 33, of Downey Street, Hanley, was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment yesterday (Monday 23 August) at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, attempted sexual assault and causing another to engage in sexual activity without consent at an earlier hearing.
Fairclough was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
The woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was wearing nothing but a coat when she was found by police on Bucknall Road shortly after 4am on Thursday 19 November.
A short while later, Fairclough was detained by police.
He had tried to steal a 12-year-old girl’s mobile phone as she was walking to school on October 7, approximately six weeks before. The girl ran away but Fairclough was traced after leaving his jacket and mobile phone at the scene.
Detective Inspector Zoe Kelsall, of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “I applaud the courage of the victim who supported our investigation which resulted in Fairlclough being brought to justice.
“I hope today’s sentence provides some form of closure and comfort knowing Fairclough will be behind bars for the next eight years.”
“My message to anyone who has had a sexual offence committed against them is that your voice will be heard.”
If you have experienced a sexual offence, or are concerned that someone you care about might be at risk, you can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. In an emergency always call 999.
