'High-risk' sex attacker who held down woman on Northampton's Racecourse handed nine-year sentence

A Northampton man who pinned down a woman on the Racecourse in a terrifying sexual assault has been jailed for six years.

Dogan Askoy, of Somerset Street, came up behind the young woman as she was on her way home from her boyfriend's place in October 2016 while she was alone and listening to music.

It was then that the 24-year-old grabbed the woman by throwing both arms around her and forcing her to the floor.

Northampton Crown Court heard today (July 13) how Askoy made a "concerted effort" to sexually assault his victim as she shouted for help and tried to shove him off.

"For a few seconds, she froze," Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking told the court in sentencing. "When she realised it wasn't her boyfriend, she turned to face you and began telling you to get off.

"You did not listen and carried on with the attack.

"She has described the look on your face throughout the attack as 'almost dazed with a blank look'. But she describes actions as purposeful."

However, Askoy's assault was interrupted when three young men saw what was happening and shouted at him.

In his panic to run away, Askoy dropped his mobile phone, which his victim had the presence of mind to pick up. It was later used to identify him and he was arrested shortly afterwards.

Askoy later pleaded not guilty to the attack and tried to brush it off in court as "an accident" and "a misunderstanding".

However, he was found guilty by a jury. He later admitted the offence to probation.

Judge Lucking said: "You admitted to probation that your reasons for the attack were that you 'just saw her and wanted to know what it felt like to touch her'.

"You said you were upset and regretful... You said you were feeling lonely and isolated at the time. You said you did not know why you did it.

"[But] the probation service has described you as a high risk posed to young adult females. You tried to minimise your behaviour and deny your sexual motivation... And I view you as a high-risk offender.

"There is no explanation for your behaviour and inexcusable actions."

Judge Lucking handed Askoy an extended sentence of six years in prison and three years on licence. He will remain on the sex offender's register for the rest of his life.