Ian Hudson, 42, was jailed for nine years after a five-minute violent attempt to rape a woman in her 60s at a Sunderland bus shelter on 30 December. A passing student intervened, chased and helped restrain Hudson until police arrived. The victim described being left terrified, suffering panic attacks and changing her routines; Hudson was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, assault and strangulation. He will serve an extra five years on extended licence, must register as a sex offender for life and has a history including prior convictions for wounding and arson.
‘Evil’ Attacker Jailed for Nine Years After Bus‑Stop Attempted Rape in Sunderland
Ian Hudson, 42, was jailed for nine years after a five-minute violent attempt to rape a woman in her 60s at a Sunderland bus shelter on 30 December. A passing student intervened, chased and helped restrain Hudson until police arrived. The victim described being left terrified, suffering panic attacks and changing her routines; Hudson was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, assault and strangulation. He will serve an extra five years on extended licence, must register as a sex offender for life and has a history including prior convictions for wounding and arson.
06:49 PM, 11/13/2025Society
Man sentenced after violent attempted rape at Sunderland bus shelter
A 42-year-old man, Ian Hudson, has been jailed for nine years after a brutal attempt to rape a woman in her 60s at a bus stop in Sunderland on 30 December, Newcastle Crown Court heard.
The attack, described in court as a "violent and sexual" five-minute ordeal, began after Hudson emerged from a doorway with his hood up and followed the woman as she walked home from a supermarket at about 22:30 GMT. When she stopped in a bus shelter hoping he would move on, he entered and assaulted her, throttling her, gouging at her eyes, pulling at her clothing and molesting her while she fought back.
Passer‑by intervenes
A passing student heard the victim's cries for help, ran to the scene, shouted at Hudson and chased him when he fled. The student caught up with Hudson, who punched him in the face, before the student and another passer‑by restrained Hudson on the ground until police arrived. The victim was left bloodied and bruised; the student sustained a facial bruise.
The victim said she was now 'wary of everyone' and added: 'I didn't know there was evil out there like him. Now I've seen evil and it terrifies me.' She told the court she has suffered panic attacks, stopped going out as much and changed her routines because she believes she is being watched.
Court findings and further behaviour
Hudson denied the offences at trial but was found guilty of attempted rape, sexual assault, assault and strangulation. Recorder David Gordon described the victim as effectively being stalked through the streets and said Hudson posed a 'very high risk of serious harm' to others.
After his arrest Hudson exposed himself to officers at the police station and, after being taken to hospital, attacked officers there — kicking one several times and knocking her into a reception-area Christmas tree, the court heard. Hudson, who has no fixed address, has a long criminal record including previous convictions for wounding and arson.
Sentence and post-release conditions: Hudson received a nine-year prison term and, deemed a dangerous offender, will serve an additional five-year extended licence period on release. He must sign the sex offenders register for life and notify police of any future sexual partners.
The case highlights concerns about street safety and the role of brave bystanders in preventing further harm.