Judge praises 'exemplary public spirit' of three young men who chased off sex attacker in Northampton but have never been traced

Three unknown young men who chased off a sex attacker in Northampton before helping the victim back home were praised in court yesterday.

Dogan Askoy, of Somerset Drive, was jailed yesterday for an 'inexcusable' attack in 2016 where he came up behind a woman as she walked home on the Racecourse, grabbed her with both arms and forced her to the ground.

He then made a "purposeful effort" to sexually assault the woman while she tried to shove him off and shout for help.

But Northampton Crown Court heard yesterday (July 13) how the attack was interrupted by three 'exemplary; young men who chased the 24-year-old away and helped the young victim afterwards.

Her Honour Judge Adrienne Lucking told Askoy: "Your attack only ended when three young men nearby shouted 'Oi, what are you doing?'

"Having heard the evidence I'm quite sure that but for their involvement the attack would have succeeded.

"When they shouted you jumped up and ran off."

The court heard how, in a panic to escape, Askoy dropped his mobile phone, which was later used to track him down and arrest him.

Judge Lucking continued: "The three men whose involvement ended the attack then helped her. She was able to call her boyfriend, and when she got home her mother called the police.

"In her evidence, she described the three young men as 'these lovely gentlemen'.

"Sadly they were never traced but their conduct was in exemplary public spirit."

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 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.