Man who kidnapped girl in rape attempt is jailed

Matthew Hindhaugh was jailed for 11 years after also admitting trying to strangle his victim

A man who kidnapped a girl with the intention of raping her has been jailed for 11 years.

As well as kidnap, Matthew Hindhaugh had also pleaded guilty to assaulting and intentionally strangling the teenager in February.

Teesside Crown Court heard that the 22-year-old, of Rowan Place in Newton Aycliffe, had also admitted possessing a samurai sword and making indecent images of children.

Durham Police said Hindhaugh claimed he was trying to help the girl who he said had fallen over and hurt her face, but that "overwhelming CCTV evidence and witness statements proved otherwise".

The victim said her attacker had punched her in the face before putting his hands over her mouth and telling her to be quiet.

He then forced her into his house and on to his bed where he held her down and started to unzip his trousers.

Officers described the girl as "quick-thinking" after she told Hindhaugh she would not tell anyone what had happened if he let her go.

She then escaped leaving a shoe behind.

'Chastity belt'

Det Supt Peter Carr said the victim's bravery was "nothing short of extraordinary".

"Not only did her resilience and quick-thinking actions manage to get her to safety, but she managed to prevent Hindhaugh from causing harm to anyone else," he said.

"He is an extremely dangerous predator, whose actions were abhorrent that night."

When arrested Hindhaugh was wearing a chastity belt which he told officers was to try and stop his sexual urges.

He admitted eight charges including kidnap with the intention to commit rape, assault causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation, all committed on 27 February.

He also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, including 171 in the most serious category, between May 2015 and September 2024.