Yorkshire attacker who asked 18-year-old woman walking home if she was 'OK' before trying to rape her is jailed

Bariscag Salih, 26, formerly of Wolsey Avenue, Intake, was sentenced to seven years and six months behind bars at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday after pleading guilty to attempted rape, assault by penetration and sexual assault at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that on August 1, the victim was walking home in the early hours of the morning along Armthorpe Road in Doncaster when she was approached by an unknown man, later identified through enquiries by police as Salih, who asked if she was OK.

She asked to be left alone and continued walking, but was followed by Salih. As she tried to run away, Salih grabbed her and violently pulled her down to the ground and sexually assaulted her on a grass verge.

A woman living nearby was awoken by the disturbance, and after leaving her home to see what was going on, intervened and Salih fled from the scene.

Salih was arrested and charged on August 5 after he was identified as the offender following extensive CCTV and forensic enquiries by officers. Salih has been remanded in custody since his arrest.

Alongside his custodial sentence, he was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life after his release and a restraining order for life preventing him from having any contact with the victim.

Detective Constable Caroline Thomas, who led the investigation for South Yorkshire Police, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim in a very public place, and Salih has rightly been served a substantial custodial sentence for his crimes. I am pleased that he is now off our streets for a significant period of time.

“I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting what happened to her, and I would also like to praise the witness for the courage she showed when intervening in this matter. I hope that Salih’s sentencing, while it can never undo the pain he has caused, can help the victim move towards healing.

“If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse or violence, please know that it is not your fault. It is the offender who is to blame. Please report to us so we can support you, investigate and bring offenders to justice."