A RAPIST has been jailed after launching a sustained attack on his victim in her own bedroom.

James Webb, of Cromwell Road in Northwich, was 18 at the time of the offence, which took place two and a half years ago.

But the now 21-year-old was finally sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, which heard how his victim has been left anxious and exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

On July 25, 2017, shortly after splitting from his girlfriend, Webb visited the home of his friend to chat and to borrow a phone charger.

But things soon turned sour after he entered her bedroom and launched a sexual attack on her.

Two impact statements written by the victim state that she was already an anxious individual, but this anxiety has increased since the offence.

In the past two and a half years, she has been on medication to treat her depression and is known to have self-harmed.

She also has difficulty sleeping as a result of the attack and suffers from nightmares.

After being referred for psychiatric help by a GP, she is said to be exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, however this has not been formally diagnosed by a doctor.

Mark Le Brocq, defending Webb, revealed that his client has no previous criminal record and that the delay in bringing the case before the court has been ‘hard on him’.

This delay was said to be due to police investigations, during which the defendant was released on bail under a curfew monitored by an electronic tag.

He pleaded not guilty to rape but was convicted by jury following a trial late last year.

Mr Le Brocq said: “The defendant is a young man who is 21 now and was 18 at the time of the offence. His youth should be taken into account.

“The delay in the case appearing before the court was not his fault.

“Character references show that there are people that speak well and think highly of him.”

Before sentencing, Judge Thomas Teague noted that the delay was partially the fault of Webb due to him choosing to plead not guilty.

He added: said: “Your character references speak highly of you and show that there is a much better side to you.”

Webb received a sentence of seven years in prison, of which he will serve half out on licence.

He will also have to comply with the measures required from sex offenders and is the subject of a restraining order preventing him from making contact with the victim in any way.

Anyone with information or wants to report sexual offence allegations is asked to call 101 or pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, which can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.