‘A woman can't even go for a run in daylight' – Jogger sexually assaulted in Belfast

Irish Independent

20-05-2025

The female jogger was sexually assaulted while running on a main road in west Belfast shortly before 6am on Monday morning.
SDLP leader and MP for South Belfast and Mid Down Claire Hanna condemned the assault.
'I was shocked to hear about this case, and my thoughts primarily are with the woman who had this terrifying experience,' she told the Belfast Telegraph.
'Little underlines the crisis we're facing of gender based violence than when a woman can't even head out for a run, in daylight, on a main road,' she said.
Police said that, around 5.50am, the woman reported that she was approached by an unknown male and subjected to an assault.
The incident occurred in the Glen Road area of the city.
Following the assault, the man made off in the direction of the Falls Road.
Ms Hanna, who became the first MP to complete the Belfast Marathon earlier this month, said she had also been for a run on Monday morning.
"I ran myself at that time this morning and it was broad daylight. So many women are trying to fit activities for their physical and mental health into busy lives and should be able to feel safe when they are doing so,' she said.
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey also said his thoughts are with the woman.
'It is extremely worrying to hear reports of a woman being sexually assaulted while jogging this morning,' he said
'My thoughts are with the woman and I hope she receives the necessary support at this time.
'Sinn Féin representatives are liaising with the PSNI and I would encourage anyone with information contact the police.'
A west Belfast councillor also condemned the assault.
"It's awful to think that a woman cannot even go for a run in the local area without being subjected to something like this,' said SDLP councillor Paul Doherty.
Mr Doherty passed his sympathies on to the woman, adding: 'My thoughts are with her after what must have been an horrendous ordeal, one that will likely stay with her for a long time.
"Women should be able to feel safe whether they are going for a run, at work, or simply going about their daily lives.
"It's disheartening that something like this has happened on our doorstep.'
Mr Doherty encouraged anyone with information surrounding the assault to contact police.
"I urge anyone with information to to come forward to the police so this man can be brought to justice and others can be protected,' he said.
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Enquiries are continuing and anyone who witnessed this assault is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 191 19/05/25.
'A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.'