Sexual predator who prowled streets of Newcastle at night put behind bars

A sexual predator who prowled the streets of Newcastle at night has been sentenced to seven years behind bars.

Reece Senior preyed on a woman walking along Clayton Street in Newcastle in the early hours of April 17 last year.

He grabbed her and pushed her to the floor in an attempt to sexually assault her.

The victim reported the incident straight away and an investigation was launched by the Force’s Safeguarding unit.

Officers were quickly able to gather DNA evidence from the victim's clothing, which would later prove crucial in the investigation.

Following a trawl of CCTV footage, officers shared an image of the suspect internally throughout a network of officers, leading to the identification of Senior.

The 28-year-old was arrested and questioned in relation to the attack but denied the allegations put to him.

However, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court saw through his lies and he was found guilty of kidnap with the intent to commit a sexual offence and also found guilty of a further sexual assault on a school girl which happened in June 2021.

Last Thursday, Senior was sentenced to seven years behind bars and handed a five-year extended licence.

Lead detective, Lara Huitson, watched in the court room as the sentence was handed down.

Detective Constable Huitson said: "This has been a horrendous ordeal for the victim who has suffered greatly because of the actions of Senior.

"Her courage has been unwavering throughout this investigation and thanks to her bravery and support, and excellent DNA work, we have been able to bring Senior to justice.

"While incidents of this nature are rare in our force area we are never complacent and it is our duty to ensure dangerous offenders, such as Senior, are taken off our streets."

Senior of Wallace Gardens, Gateshead, has also been ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely.