A man has been sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in prison for sexual assault and stalking after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

David McKeown, 41, of no fixed address, was sentenced today (4 December) at Preston Crown Court for sexual assault and stalking involving fear of violence.

McKeown also is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years, barring him from entering Cumbria, and is subject to notification requirements for life.

The offences relate to incidents against one woman which occurred between August 2022 and October 2022 in Barrow-in-Furness.

Speaking after sentencing, Detective Stewart Glendinning said: “I hope today’s sentencing brings some closure for the victim.

“We understand it can be incredibly difficult for victims of sexual assaults to come forward and talk about what happened to them. Any reports we receive are taken seriously and dealt with professionally and sensitively.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate. You will be supported throughout our investigation and put in contact with the appropriate support service.”

A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/

You can make a report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it or by calling 101.

Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.