Description
Convicted rapist William Rathbone has been jailed for six years and five months after he sexually assaulted a woman.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the 22-year-old committed the offence eight months after being released from a prison sentence for rape.
The victim reported the incident to the police the following day. She was disgusted by Rathbone's actions and felt the assault turned her life upside down.
It happened in 2019, eight months after Rathbone was released from a 40-month sentence he received in 2017 for rape of a girl under 16 and assault by penetration.
Prosecutor Tim Harrington said: "This offence is seriously aggravated by his previous convictions and the fact he was on licence for sexual activity at the time and had not long been released from custody."
Rathbone, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault by penetration.
Saleema Mahmood, mitigating, said Rathbone's mental health has now stabilised and he has completed a sex offender programme in custody.
She said the offence was very different from his previous conviction.
Miss Mahmood said: "He now does not rely solely on his explanation that he was very heavily intoxicated and acknowledges what he did was very, very wrong."
She said the defendant has been in custody since his arrest.
Miss Mahmood added: "Without the use of a significant amount of alcohol Mr Rathbone would not even have conceived behaving in that way.
"He is keen to do anything he can to start a new life and make himself a better person."
Judge David Fletcher said: "You have indicated some remorse. Your age is of relevance, you were at the time of the offence 19. I do not find you pass the test for dangerousness and will not be making an extended sentence. Prison will detain you for a significant period of time before you are eligible for release."
Rathbone will be released on licence after serving half the term. He is on the sex offenders' register indefinitely.