Man convicted over Hanley attempted sexual assault

A man from Stoke-on-Trent has been convicted of attempted sexual assault after an attack on a woman in Hanley last year.

The woman, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was wearing nothing but a coat when she was found by police on Bucknall Road shortly after 4am on Thursday 19 November.

A short while later, Craig Fairclough of Downey Street, Hanley was detained by police.

Fairclough, who’s now 33, pleaded guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on 23 August 2021.

Investigating Officer Janine Shropshire from the force’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences unit said: “Fairclough’s attack was a violent one with the victim taking a number of punches to the face as he carried out this sexual assault.

“His attack was merciless as he left his victim in a vulnerable state having been frustrated at not carrying out his assault in full.

“We praise the courage of the victim to seek immediate help in bringing the attack to the attention of a passing police officer. This allowed us to detain Fairclough at the earliest opportunity and enabling us to put him before the courts.”

Anyone who has suffered sexual abuse, or suspects others may be subject to sexual abuse, is urged to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through www.crimestoppers-uk.org.