Rapist jailed for 'horrific and sustained attack'

Jake Brown has been jailed for 12 years and will remain on the Sex Offenders' Register for life

A rapist who tried to gouge out a woman's eyes during an "horrific and sustained attack" has been jailed for 12 years.

Jake Brown, 25, of St Audrey's Close, Histon, Cambridgeshire, attacked the woman at a property in Peterborough in the early hours of 21 January.

He denied rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal damage and theft.

Cambridgeshire Police has praised the victim "for the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation and trial".

Police said Brown had bitten his victim before pressing his thumbs into her eyes, in what the woman believed was an attempt to gouge them out.

He fled with the victim's mobile phone after the attack and a neighbour helped her raise the alarm.

He was arrested at Peterborough railway station later that day.

'Awful crime'

Brown was found guilty on all counts following a trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

He was jailed for 12 years and handed a further three years and six months, to be served on licence.

He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life.

Det Con Helen Williams, of Cambridgeshire Police, said: "Brown subjected the victim in this case to an horrific and sustained attack.

"I am pleased he has appeared in court and been jailed for this awful crime."

She added: "I would like to commend the victim for the bravery she has shown throughout the investigation and trial.

"I hope the conclusion of the court process will help as she begins to rebuild her life."