Record details
A sexual predator, Michael Wanless, has been convicted of attempting to rape a young woman during her early morning jog on Granwood Road in Eston.
The 41-year-old dragged the victim to the ground on July 17, 2023. She screamed for help, prompting local residents to rush out, pursue him, and hold him until police arrested him.
Wanless, of no fixed abode, denied the charges but was found guilty after a trial at Teesside Crown Court, where the jury deliberated for just 35 minutes, reports Teesside Live.
Judge Aisha Wadoodi recommended commendations for the brave members of the public who assisted.
Cleveland Police said their intervention "undoubtedly saved the woman from an even worse fate."
A force spokesperson added: "The man attacked the woman, pulling her violently to the ground but she bravely fought him off whilst screaming for help.
"Several local people came to her aid, chasing the man some distance until he was quickly detained by attending police officers."
Wanless will be sentenced at the same court on January 9.
