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Rapist went to pub after brutal attack

30/ 5/2007

A SADDLEWORTH man has been sentenced to an indefinite jail term after raping a woman and then beating her with a belt.

Paul Nichols, 39, of Stoneswood Road, Delph, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court for sentencing.

At an earlier hearing he had pleaded guilty to rape, assault and possession of a bladed weapon.

The court heard how on July 9, 2006, Nichols had been drinking all day before attacking his victim. He raped her, before using a leather belt with a metal buckle to strike her repeatedly.

He hit her on her right arm, her upper body, left leg, right thigh and the right side of her forehead, causing severe bruising all over her body. Nichols then went to the pub.

The woman was able to identify her attacker to the police, and officers later searched Nichols' house and found the leather belt. They then spoke to him on his mobile phone.

The following day Nichols again spoke to officers over the phone and agreed to meet them outside Delph library.

He walked down Stoneswood Road towards the library carrying a green holdall in his left hand.

When he saw the officers he threw the bag across his body and raised a knife he was carrying in his right hand towards the officers while drunkenly shouting.

He was told to drop the knife and at that moment he stumbled back against the library wall. The officers removed the knife and he was arrested.

Nichols must serve a minimum of three years and 141 days before he can apply for parole.

Judge Peter Lakin said he had "agonised" about giving him a life sentence.

He said: "What you did to her has had a considerable impact on her. Putting it bluntly, you have turned her life upside down. What happened on July 9 will remain with her for the rest of her life."