Man jailed after rape attempt in park thwarted by victim biting his hand

A man who attempted to rape a woman in a north London park on Valentine’s Day has been jailed after his victim escaped by biting him.

Terry McBride, of no fixed address, followed his victim through Valentines Park in Ilford at about 9am on February 14.

The 25-year-old forced her to the ground, put his hand over her mouth and climbed on top of her, Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

The woman, aged in her early 40s, “tenaciously” fought off her attacker by punching him in the face and biting his hand.

She screamed and continued to bite until six-feet-tall McBride told her: “I’m not going to do anything, I will let you go”, the court was told.

The victim then called the police and “bravely” followed McBride who fled when he turned to see her talking on the phone.

He was identified by DNA found at the scene of the attack and arrested on February 18.

He was found guilty of attempted rape at the same court on July 29 and was today jailed for 10 years.

Detective Inspector John Delaney said: “I must praise the victim’s courage; she tenaciously fought off her attacker and then bravely followed him.

“McBride is a big man, of a heavy build and over 6ft tall, but the victim turned the tables and forced him to flee from her.

“This was a violent and cowardly attack at the hands of complete stranger and a long prison sentence is justified and appropriate.”