Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark Taylor struck at a house in Nelson, throwing his victim on to a settee and pinning her down. Taylor, who made several attempts to rape the mother of two before he was successful, afterwards apologised.

The defendant had denied rape last May but was convicted after a trial.

Taylor (27), of Milton Street, Colne, was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life and was banned from working with children. He had no previous convictions.

Sentencing, Judge Andrew Woolman told Taylor, who had been on a night out in Colne, he had denied what he had done but the incident was short-lived and he did not regard Taylor as dangerous.

Police say the victim rejected the defendant, he would not take no for an answer and flung her on to a settee. He forcibly removed her clothes and held her down.

She eventually managed to wriggle free, fell on the floor and made to the door of the property. After her ordeal, the victim suffered severe nightmares and needed medication to help her sleep. The attack also caused friction between the woman and her partner.

After the hearing, police urged women who had been subjected to sex assaults to come forward and their allegations would be pursued.
DC Neil Morris of Pendle CID said: "Victims of this type of crime should have confidence in the police. If a complaint is made there will be a thorough investigation and those found to be responsible will be brought to justice."