A man has been jailed for 13 years for raping a woman in Soham.

On August 12 last year, Stephen Bird, 40, formerly of Gimbert Road, Soham, was drinking at the Fountain pub.

At about 10.30pm he offered to walk the victim, a woman in her 30s, home. When she refused, he followed her as she left the pub, continued down a nearby alleyway, grabbed her from behind, forced her to the floor and raped her.

Bird was arrested and denied the offence. He was found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in April and was sentenced to imprisonment at the court today (Friday).

Sergeant Matt Goodenough, said: “Today’s sentence recognises the vile nature of Bird’s act and that he is considered to be a high risk to women.

“His conviction would not have been possible without the strength of character displayed by the victim, to first call the police and then show the resilience throughout this difficult time to give evidence in court.

“Her evidence enabled the police to convict a dangerous offender and secure a substantial custodial sentence which will protect other women.”