Woman who fought off sex attacker Johnathon Holmes with her keys receives bravery award

Attacker left with severe bruising to his face before being told by his intended victim 'you won’t do that to another woman again'

Johnathon Holmes was sentenced to four and a half years in prison (South Yorkshire Police)

A woman who fought off a sex attacker by cutting into his face with her keys has received a bravery award.

The South Yorkshire woman, who cannot be named, was followed by Johnathon Holmes for a mile before he pushed her into the bushes and attempted to sexually assault her, while saying “you’re going to enjoy this.”

She fought him off, cutting into his face with her keys and biting him, before saying “you won’t do that to another woman again".

The woman said she was “so terrified, but angry” as she cut the attacker’s neck and throat.

Holmes was later arrested, and pled guilty to charges of sexual assault. He was sentenced to four and a half years in jail at Sheffield Crown Court.

South Yorkshire Police honoured the woman's bravery throughout the investigation at an award ceremony.

The award for bravery was presented by Superintendent Scott Green, who said: “You displayed an astonishing level of bravery during this investigation, your actions undoubtedly deterred the offender from continuing his assault and your detailed recollection of such a traumatic event, led to the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of a very dangerous criminal.

“As a husband, father of a daughter and on behalf of every woman in this city, I commend you.

“On behalf of South Yorkshire Police we recognise your bravery, selflessness and truly outstanding courage in helping make this city a safer place for every woman in it.”