Home / Crime and Justice / Man jailed 34 years for canal rape and attempted murder
Man jailed 34 years for canal rape and attempted murder
10 Jul
Summary
- Rapist jailed for 34 years for attempted murder and rape.
- Victim escaped by swimming after being thrown into canal.
- Attacker had prior convictions for assault and robbery.
Macauley Worden has been sentenced to 34 years in prison following a brutal attack on a homeless woman in Leicestershire. The court heard that Worden raped and attempted to murder the 21-year-old victim on a canal towpath near Loughborough on August 30, 2025.
Worden grabbed the woman, threw her to the ground, and sexually assaulted her. He then attempted to strangle her with her hoody cord, stating he had to kill her. The victim fought back, dislodging the cord, and subsequently managed to escape after Worden threw her into the canal.
The 28-year-old, who had previous convictions for assault and robbery, was on licence at the time of the offence. He had met the victim, who was sleeping rough, and initially asked to borrow her phone. Despite Worden's DNA evidence, he elected for trial, falsely claiming consensual sex.
In addition to attempted murder and rape, Worden was sentenced for assault by penetration and robbery. He will also be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and is subject to restraining orders.
