A woman in her 60s has been subjected to a terrifying attack by pervert Lee Belsham, who has been sentenced to an extended 10-year jail term.

The brave woman confronted 38-year-old Belsham at Leeds Crown Court, where she read out a statement detailing the devastating impact of the attack. "I thought I was going to die, I was so scared," she said. "That memory will live with me forever and haunts me to this day."

Belsham followed the woman along the path on Sowgate Lane at Knottingley around lunchtime on March 6th of this year. He then "rugby tackled" her as she entered one of the small tunnels that run under the M62 and A1(M).

With her face down on the floor, he sat on her back and began to sexually assault her, touching her between her legs and putting his hands under her bra. He repeatedly threatened to kill her if she screamed. Belsham then dragged her to her feet and told her to "drop them", referring to her underwear.

The victim, realizing the path was busy, told him that people would walk by. Belsham, seemingly coming to his senses, then fled the scene. He was later apprehended after nearby CCTV captured him leaving the area, still wearing the same clothes.

The victim identified Belsham, and his DNA was found on her. Despite this, he initially denied the offenses but eventually changed his pleas to guilty, admitting to two counts of sexual assault and making threats to kill.

The court heard that Belsham, formerly of Ferrybridge Road, Knottingley, also confessed to indecently exposing himself to two females on separate dates in June 2021. First, he dropped his trousers and masturbated in front of a female jogger, and then two days later, he did the same in front of a 14-year-old girl. Both incidents occurred on a towpath next to the River Calder at Ferrybridge. Belsham has more than 20 previous convictions, including numerous offenses related to violence.

Judge Simon Batiste sentenced Belsham to seven years in prison, with a three-year extended licence period. He was also placed on the sex offender register for life. Referring to the sexual assaults, the judge stated, "It's clear you followed her for some distance. It's evident the impact it's had on her and will have life-long profound effects."

Speaking outside court, Detective Inspector Rachel Darling from Wakefield District Safeguarding Unit praised the victim's bravery in coming forward. "She was subjected to a frightening and horrendous ordeal, but now I hope the sentence Belsham received will allow her some closure to what has happened," said Darling. "I would also like to praise the tenacity of the investigation team here in Wakefield who worked diligently to ensure Belsham was brought to justice."

In a statement after the sentencing, the victim expressed gratitude for the support she received from the police. "I cannot fault the support and kindness that I have received from the police from the date this happened. Everything that the officer in the case has done for me is greatly appreciated," she said. "I have waited for this day for seven months and I feel I can begin again now and move on. I will not allow that man to destroy my life."