A 19-year-old man who dragged a woman into bushes and threatened her with a knife on a riverside path in Derby has been given a hospital order.
James Daniels, of Broomhill Avenue, Ilkeston, attacked the 23-year-old woman near Riverside Road in Pride Park at around 8.40am on 17 November 2025.
Derbyshire Police said he pulled the woman off the path and threatened her with a blade.
After struggling with her attacker, the woman managed to escape with minor injuries and ran towards a passing cyclist before calling police.
Victim escaped and police launched search
Officers carried out patrols and examined CCTV as they investigated the attack.
Information supplied by members of the public helped police identify Daniels, who was arrested the following day, 18 November.
He admitted assault by beating, possessing a knife in a public place, threatening a person with a blade and false imprisonment.
At Derby Crown Court on Thursday, 22 October 2026, Daniels was made subject to a hospital order.
Detective praises woman’s bravery
In a statement to police, the victim described the attack as extremely traumatising and said she was still recovering from the ordeal.
Detective Inspector Nicola Musson said: “Daniels’ actions were absolutely horrendous in subjecting an innocent victim to such a terrifying attack.”
She said the incident had profoundly affected the woman and praised her courage, the work of investigators and the help provided by the public.
