A UK sexual assault victim has bravely waived her right to anonymity in an attempt to catch the man who brutally beat and raped her.
In a new video interview with police Stephanie Hewson, from Newcastle upon Tyne in England's north, has relived the horrific ordeal three years ago.
Ms Hewson, who was 23 at the time, was left with cuts on her back, shoulders and face, blacks eyes, a swollen jaw and a broken nose, the Daily Mail reports.
The shaven-headed man who dragged her into an alley, bashed her senseless and raped her was recorded on CCTV apparently fiddling with his zipper afterwards but has never been caught.
The attack has badly traumatized Ms Hewson who says even now she is too afraid to even go into her backyard at night.
"I think back to when I was 18 and me and my friends used to walk home late at night and when this happened I only walked four car lengths and this happened to me — it’s not worth it," she says in the interview.
"Everyone needs to be on guard, especially when they’ve had a drink. I’d urge young women to make sure you are with people and get a taxi and have plans to get home safely.
"Everyone needs to make sure they are safe."
Detective Inspector Paul Race, from Northumbria Police Rape Investigation Team, said the police would act on any new information that resulted from the plea.
"I have to praise Stephanie and her family for their courage shown since the incident happened and their support and help to officers investigating the attack," he said.
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