A convicted rapist, described by a judge as one of "the most dangerous sex offenders in the country" has been given a life sentence.
Anthony Croft attacked his teenage victim after latching on to her in bars in Blackpool town centre in June last year; buying her drinks and following her around even after she tried to get away from him.
As she then walked home in the early hours, he approached her again in the Claremont area of North Shore, having followed her all the way from town.
When they approached an alleyway, he pounced on her and dragged her into an alcove in the alleyway where he sexually assaulted her.
She bravely managed to fight him off and ran to a nearby house for help and Croft scurried away.
The incident was captured on C.C.T.V. which the sentencing judge described as some of the "most chilling" he had ever seen.
Detectives launched an investigation and worked tirelessly to identify the offender, finding footage of him and identifying him through facial recognition. Croft was located and arrested in Liverpool.
He had only been released from prison a month before the assault after serving a 21-year sentence for child rape.
Anthony Croft, now aged 52 and of no fixed address, was jailed for life at Preston Crown Court this week for kidnap and sexual assault. He must serve at least eight years before he can be considered for parole.
Det Insp Liam Davy, of Blackpool Police’s Domestic Abuse, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “My view remains that, but for the tenacity and bravery of this victim, I have little doubt Anthony Croft would have harmed her even further. The footage that captured this horrendous ordeal is something that will stay with detectives who worked on this case. It is unforgettable and haunting.
“At the sentencing hearing, the Judge described this predator as someone who "must be amongst a handful of the most dangerous sex offenders in the Country". I couldn't agree more. It is our job to hunt and capture these individuals and Blackpool Police will continue to strive to keep women and girls safe on our streets, in our venues and in their homes.”
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