Sex offender caught day after the attack

POLICE officers patrolling Loughborough the day after a sexual assault report arrested the offender after being informed he was in the area.

The police officers were carrying out the proactive patrol on October 24 following the report of a sexual assault which had happened in Trinity Street the evening before.

But it was while in the area of Moira Street that the officers received information that the offender, Kyle Neal, was nearby.

Acting on this, the officers immediately carried out a search tracking Neal down and making the arrest before taking him into custody.

Neal was questioned by the investigating team and charged on the same day with sexual assault.

Following extensive enquiries carried out by the team, Neal appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to the offence.

The 22-year-old, of Schoolgate, Leicester, has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Wednesday, December 18.

The offence happened at around 7.30pm on 2October 23. The victim had been walking in the area of Trinity Street when she was grabbed by Neal who tried to drag her to the ground and sexually assaulted her.

The victim shouted out for help and struggled to get away before Neal then ran away from the scene.

Following his arrest, he denied the offence.

The woman received support at Juniper Lodge sexual assault referral centre after making the report.

Investigative work carried out including speaking with the victim as well as CCTV enquiries in the area. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Tony Harman said: “Through the bravery and co-operation of the victim, the work of local officers in the area, the support provided at Juniper Lodge and the enquiries carried out by the investigation team, we were able to provide justice for the victim and bring the person responsible for this horrendous attack to court.

“I thank the victim for her trust in us and hope today helps her in some way as she moves on.

“I urge anyone who is the victim of a sexual assault to report it to police. We will act on your report and work to obtain justice for you. We also have specially trained officers who will provide support to you throughout the investigation and at court.”