Downs Link sex attack Horsham: Woman speaks about her ordeal

The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, spoke about her ordeal at the hands of Christopher Cooper near Horsham.

She had gone for her morning run along the Downs Link path, a former railway line, near Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham.

Cooper cycled past her, then doubled back to attack her from behind and attempt to rape her.

He was jailed for six years after he admitted attempted rape and sexual assault at Lewes Crown Court.

Lewes Crown Court.

The case comes amid growing concern about men’s violence towards women, highlighted by the tragic case of Sarah Everard, 33, in South London this month.

In this case, the woman said she felt lucky to still be alive, but says her previous freedom and enjoyment of running has been ruined by the fear she could be attacked.

In a statement read in court, she described how the sex attack has cast a shadow over her life, and said Cooper is a danger to other women.

She said: “That day in October was the day my world changed. Since then, a shadow has always lurked every time I venture out of my front door.

“Home is now the only place I feel completely safe.

“I just went out for a normal morning run. Little did I know that I would end up slammed to the ground and sexually assaulted.

“I was absolutely terrified when I found myself on the ground with my neck being twisted to stop me.

“I felt, and was, completely powerless. I didn’t know if I was going to see another day.”

Read more on this story: Predator Christopher Cooper jailed for sex attack on woman jogging alone

The woman was heard as she screamed and struggled, and Cooper fled, but the mum said she had no doubt about what he wanted: “His main aim was to rape me.”

She added: “I am sure that if it had not been me, it would have been someone else, and that really scares me.

“Many runners and schoolgirls use the path, but now many are unwilling to run on their own any more.”

The Downs Link former rail line is now a path popular with runners and cyclists near Christ's Hospital School, Horsham

She said that the sex attack has left her unable to enjoy the things she use to, she takes an alarm with her and tells her husband where she is going.

The woman said: “I now worry about people who cycle past and worry about every man I see.

“I get jumpy around people who stop. I make sure I take in details of people in case there is any problem. I am not relaxed.

“I will not let it stop me running. But he has cast a shadow that will never disappear. I want him to realise his actions and the effect they have had.

“I am usually an optimist, I try to see the best in people. He has really tested me and made me feel vulnerable.”

Cooper was considered “dangerous” by Her Honour Judge Janet Waddicor, meaning he is a “high risk” of committing another similar crime.

The judge gave the tree surgeon, 29, a third off his sentence for pleading guilty, but said he will not be automatically released half way through his six-year sentence.

Instead he must serve at least four years before the parole board can judge if he is safe for release, and Cooper will face an extra three years on his licence when released from prison.

Christopher Cooper has been jailed for attempting to rape a woman near Christ's Hospital School in Horsham on a path called Downs Link

He will be a registered sex offender for life.

The woman said: “He could have preyed on any woman that day. I will say thank you to him for pleading guilty and hopefully this will enable him to move on and think about his decisions.

“It doesn’t change the impact on my day to day life and the shadow his actions have had will always remain with me and my family.

“I don’t know why he undertook his actions. I feel he is a significant threat to all women and needs to be kept away from society. I don’t want him to have the opportunity to do this to anyone ever again.”