Christopher Hatcher jailed for Hythe knifepoint assault
A man who left DNA on his victim's clothing after carrying out a sexual assault has been jailed for six years.
Christopher Hatcher, 30, of Dymchurch Road, Hythe, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault, kidnap and robbery.
Kent Police said his victim had been walking along Royal Military Canal in Hythe on 22 June last year when she heard someone running behind her.
Hatcher, armed with a knife, forced her to a secluded spot by the canal.
After covering the woman's face with a jumper and performing a sex act, he stole her purse and fled the scene.
The victim was found by a dog walker, who called police.
Hatcher was arrested on 5 July following reports of a man acting suspiciously near the canal tow path.
Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, he was told by the judge that in addition to the sentence of six years, he would serve another two years on licence.
He was also given an indefinite sexual offences prevention order and placed on the sex offenders register.