Charged with two rapes and a number of breaches of a non-molestation order.

Dylan Tattersall, 28, has been sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison for two counts of attempted rape and breaches of a non-molestation order.

The incident occurred in the early hours of June 19, 2022, when Tattersall attempted to sexually assault the victim twice while threatening her with a metal bar. The victim bravely managed to secretly take photographs of Tattersall on her phone, providing crucial evidence for the police.

Tattersall was arrested later that same day and charged with two rapes and several breaches of a non-molestation order. During a trial in December 2022, a jury found him guilty of breaching the non-molestation order but could not reach a verdict on the rape charges.

Tattersall later pleaded guilty to two alternative counts of attempted rape, with the victim prepared to testify again. He was sentenced on Tuesday (July 4) at Preston Crown Court.

Judge Heather Lloyd deemed Tattersall a dangerous offender and imposed a three-year extended licence period. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life and a restraining order was put in place.

Det Sgt Lee Harris of East CID commended the victim for her bravery in reporting the incident and her resilience in facing the challenges of the trial. He expressed hope that the sentence would encourage other victims of sexual violence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to and believed.