Dog came to rescue of owner

A WOMAN was saved from a shocking sexual assault when her devoted dog bit her attacker on the backside.

Anthony Marsh had pinned down his victim in her Wearside home and was “twisting and pinching” her skin while simulating sex on her and uttering vile insults.

Newcastle Crown Court heard while the woman was unable to break free, her pet stepped in and saved her.

Prosecutor Jonathan Devlin told the court: “At that stage, her dog came to her assistance, biting the defendant on the backside, causing him to release his grip.”

The court heard the victim was able to run off and barricade herself in the bathroom, which brought an end to the sex ordeal.

The 53-year-old attacker had locked the doors at the woman’s home and had the keys, as well as her phone, during the incident.

Even after the sickening attack, Marsh continued to pester his victim by phone, then hand-delivered notes saying he “wanted to be friends”.

Mr Devlin added: “He began to express his love for her.

“She decided to contact the police when she realised he simply wasn’t going to take no for an answer and simply would not stop contacting her. “

Marsh, formerly of Tenth Street, Hartlepool, admitted sexual assault, common assault and harassment.

Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced him to two years behind bars with 10 years registration as a sex offender and a lifelong restraining order to keep him away from the woman.

Stephen Constantine, defending, said the contact Marsh made with the woman after the attack was his “attempt to try and sort matters out”.

Mr Constantine added: “There will be no further contact.”