Violent sexual predator who tried to murder schoolgirl jailed

A violent sexual predator who tried to murder a schoolgirl has been jailed for 38 years at Teesside Crown Court today.

Ellis Dismore, 24, of Stoneyhurst Avenue, Middlesbrough, hounded one of his victims online for many months before ambushing her as she walked home from school. He then chased her, before stabbing her five times in the back and chest. The victim was taken to hospital and thankfully survived the attack.  

During the police investigation into the murder attempt, analysis of his home computer revealed the scale of his online offending and charges were brought in relation to a further seven victims. 

Using multiple fake social media profiles to pose as a young teenager, Dismore would incite young girls to send him indecent images of themselves before threatening to share these images, to harm or even rape the girls if they refused to comply with his wishes.

Debbie Breen, Head of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) Unit at CPS North East, said: “Ellis Dismore is a dangerous and violent sexual predator who manipulated his young victims into sexual activity through fear and intimidation.

“It is clear that these were not idle threats, as Dismore went on to carry out a terrifying knife attack against one of his victims.

“Despite the horrific nature of his actions toward them, the evidence provided by the brave young victims in this case has been instrumental in helping the Crown Prosecution Service to build such a robust case against Dismore.

“We sincerely hope that the part they have each played in jailing such a dangerous man will bring them some measure of comfort.”