Max Gregory 29

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A YOUNG man is today a convicted rapist starting five years in jail because he didnt listen to a woman saying no.

Max Liam Gregory, 21, showed no emotion as the victim told York Crown Court how his actions had left her in a bottomless pit, made her suicidal and given her more than a year of panic attacks, anxiety, depression and other problems.

She had told the jury how she had tried to push him off her and repeatedly said no as he raped her. He had responded by saying just two minutes, its fine and just 30 seconds, come on.

Gregory had claimed to a jury that he had cared for her by visiting her regularly in the week after the rape in his home in Escrick Court, Escrick, in July 2015. But Recorder David Dixon said his visits were also to try and stop her reporting him to the police.

York Crown Court heard she eventually spoke out after he went on holiday with his girlfriend.

The judge told Gregory: It was abundantly clear to you she was not consenting. You continued on regardless. You have heard the impact that you caused on her simply by not listening to the word no. In simple words, if you had listened, you wouldnt be here, she wouldnt have had the horrible time she has had, all down to you not listening.

He jailed Gregory for five years, put him on the sex offenders register for life and made a restraining order, banning him from having any contact at all with the victim for the rest of his life.

Gregory had denied rape but was convicted by a jury unanimously after two hours and 40 minutes in retirement.

Reading aloud a victim impact statement in a voice at times choked with tears, she said that after the rape: I then started to go into a bottomless pit. I started to get anxiety attacks. I still do.

She was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, suffering flashbacks, nightmares and waking up in sweats.

Her work was affected and her condition progressed until she wanted to isolate myself from the world. She said: It got too much. On December 8, I arranged everything for my suicide.

She decided to put her affairs in order, but then saw her doctor who referred her to a home treatment team who helped her and continue to visit her daily.

I think about it (the rape) every day. I dont want to think about it any more, she concluded.

At the end of the hearing, the judge said she had been very brave to read her statement in court.

Gregorys barrister Geraldine Kelly said the womans mental problems may not have been entirely due to Gregory.

His girlfriend and family were standing by him and had attended his trial. He had never been in trouble with the police before and had committed no offences since.