Robber jailed for sexually assaulting dog walker

Reece Parkes was handed a 13-year extended sentence, of which no more than eight years would be custodial

A man who robbed and sexually assaulted a woman as she walked her dog alone has been jailed for eight years.

Reece Parkes, 33, left the victim needing stitches for a head injury after the brutal attack in fields near Mill Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, in September 2023.

The victim told Chelmsford Crown Court how a "beautiful evening" turned into a "terrifying" assault which left her with hearing difficulties.

Parkes, of Fairway Drive in the city, admitted sexual assault and robbery and was told he would serve a further five years on an extended licence period after his release from custody.

Judge Christopher Morgan said Parkes was a "sexual predator" who had a lengthy history of targeting lone women.

The fields in and around Mill Lane, Chelmsford, are a popular spot for dog walkers, the court heard

The victim had been walking alone at about 18:00 BST on 11 September 2023 when she suffered "multiple blows" to the back of her head, the court heard.

She fell to the floor where her breasts and crotch were groped by Parkes, who then stole her mobile phone, prosecutor Tulay Hodge said.

Another dog walker found her "badly hurt, in a lot of pain and so distressed she was unable to talk", Ms Hodge added.

Parkes was seen by a witness to have been topless and wearing pink shorts, which were found at his parents' house when he was arrested six days later.

'Dangerous offender'

Speaking in court, the victim said: "The defendant took away my ability to feel safe while doing the thing I love most.

"I love seeing the dog run free and reflecting on my day.

"My walks are no longer the same. They used to be a time of day I could put my headphones in and I could walk and daydream. Now I keep my head down."

Parkes had been on remand at HMP Chelmsford before being sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday

Nicholas Wayne, mitigating, said there was no denying Parkes was a "dangerous offender".

The defendant had claimed the attack was a case of mistaken identify and that he was under the influence of cocaine.

Judge Morgan said the victim had emptied the contents of her handbag "no doubt terrified about what was about to occur".

"It can only be hoped that one day she will be confident enough to take her dog for a walk without the company of others," he added.