Life sentence for violent assault in woman's work place (From Haringey Independent)

Life sentence for violent assault in woman's work place

10:13am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A man who attacked a woman in her office and tried to rape her has been jailed for life.

Charles McMullins, 27, who is unemployed, broke into the woman’s work place at about 8pm on March 26 and subjected her to a terrifying assault.

McMullins beat the 36-year-old woman and smashed her head against multiple desks and a filing cabinet.

As she fought back, he pulled down her trousers and tried to rape her.

She continued defending herself, but lost consciousness for some time when McMullins started to strangle her by locking his arm around her throat.

Police were called just after 9pm and arrived to find the victim with a broken wrist, a perforated ear drum and severe bruising and cuts.

She was rushed to the Whittington Hospital where she spent the night recovering.

The court recommended McMullins, of no fixed address, should serve a minimum of 11 years for subjecting the lone woman to the violent ordeal.

McMullins, who comes from the Holloway area, was arrested on April 8 and charged the next day. He pleaded guilty on April 24.

Detective chief inspector Colin Smith, from Sapphire, said: "This was a horrific ordeal for the victim who, despite being seriously assaulted, managed to bravely fight off her attacker until eventually being knocked unconscious.

"It is hoped today's sentence may go some way towards helping and reassuring the victim."