A man who attempted to rape a female jogger in Leytonstone has been jailed for 14 years after DNA evidence linked him to the case.

Ernest James, 35, of Pilton Place, Walworth, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, 24 May 2016), having pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

On August 28, 2014, at around 9.30am, the 33-year-old victim set out on a run around Hollow Pond, on the edge of Epping Forest.

As she stopped to catch her breath she was grabbed from behind. James put a gloved hand over her mouth and held a sharp object to her neck and he threatened to stab her if she did not keep quiet.

He then tried to pull down her jogging trousers but as they struggled, the victim managed to bite her attacker's finger and he ran off. Crucially, the glove was left behind.

The victim suffered no serious injuries during the attack.

Police were called and the glove and items of the victim's torn clothing were sent for forensic analysis- providing a DNA profile that related to James.

DC Matt James, of the Met's Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "James is a violent sexual predator and the sentence reflects the danger he presents to women.

“Thankfully the victim was able to fight him off and I would like to pay tribute to her bravery during the attack and all the subsequent courage she has shown.

“With her support we have been able to ensure that James has received a deservedly long prison sentence."