Andrew Fletcher 29

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A Bradford man, Andrew Fletcher, 29, of Bierley House Avenue, has begun a five-year prison sentence for rape after being convicted by a jury at Bradford Crown Court.

Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh said Fletcher’s attack had a “horrendous effect” on his victim, who withdrew from friends, suffered anxiety and sleepless nights, felt suicidal for a time, and genuinely “feared the future.”

The victim said she was left “sickened” by Fletcher’s denials.

Fletcher appeared for sentencing via video link from HMP Leeds.

In mitigation, barrister Derek Duffy noted Fletcher’s “intellectual deficits,” adding: “His perception of reality is not the same as the average person’s.

“He believes a lot of what he was doing at the time may have been reasonable.

“It was not.”

Sentencing him, Mr Recorder Anthony Hawks said: “The consequences of your actions may remain with [the victim] for the rest of her life.

“When you were arrested, you denied the offences. You are now sorry about what you did.”

Fletcher must register as a sex offender for life.