Lee Belsham jailed for sex attack on woman in Knottingley

Lee Belsham has been jailed for seven years for sexually assaulting a woman in Knottingley in March

A man who "rugby tackled" a woman to the floor before sexually assaulting her has been jailed for seven years.

Lee Belsham, 38, attacked and dragged the woman to the ground as she was walked in a park by Sowgate Lane in Knottingley on 6 March, West Yorkshire Police said.

Belsham, formerly of Ferrybridge Road in Knottingley, admitted sexual assault.

He also made threats to kill and was jailed at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

Belsham walked past the woman and, moments later, she was approached from behind, "rugby tackled" and sexually assaulted, police said.

Witnesses then reported a man running away from the area.

He was caught on CCTV and later identified by police.

'Horrendous'

As well as a jail sentence, Belsham was given an extended licence for a further three years.

Det Insp Rachel Darling praised the victim for her bravery.

"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."

In a statement his victim said her attacker's sentenced meant she felt she could begin to move on from the attack.

"I will not allow that man to destroy my life," she added.