Would-be rapist Tommy Hank’s sex attack on teen at Huddersfield University

A CONVICTED sex offender who subjected a university student to a terrifying ordeal the day after he was released from prison has now been jailed indefinitely.

Tommy Hanks, 37, tricked his way through security doors at a Huddersfield University hall of residence and confronted his 19-year-old victim in her bedroom as she used her laptop computer.

Hanks, who was armed with a Stanley knife-type blade, threatened to stab the student – who cannot be identified for legal reasons – and ordered her to remove her lower nightwear.

The teenager did as she was told, but when Hanks put down the knife and turned his back she took the chance to push past him and run for help.

Hanks, of no fixed abode, fled the scene still brandishing the knife and he was not arrested until after he had snatched the takings from a hair salon in Byram Street, Huddersfield, two days later.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that Hanks had been jailed in January last year for a sexual assault.

It is understood that the offence related to him squeezing the bottom of another female student at the university.

Hanks, who was described by a judge as a prolific offender, had denied attempting to rape the student, but he was convicted following a trial.

Recorder Julian Goose QC noted that Hanks’ previous convictions included offences of robbery, arson and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, but he said the attempt rape was a serious escalation in seriousness.

Recorder Goose said he was satisfied the student had suffered significant and serious psychological injury as a result of the late-night attack and it was only her bravery in pushing past Hanks that had prevented the rape.

Reports on Hanks concluded that he posed a high risk of serious harm to members of the public and Recorder Goose decided that the only appropriate sentence was an order of imprisonment for public protection.

Although the judge said he could not be sure what Hanks’ intention had been when he first went into the hall of residence, once he had entered the bedroom the only thing on his mind was to commit the rape offence.

Hanks, who was found guilty of possessing the bladed article and admitted the later theft offence, will have to serve a minimum of two-and-a-half years in jail before being considered for release by the Parole Board.

But he will only be let out if they decide he is safe to release into the community.

Hanks will now have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.