A HAMPSHIRE man has been jailed for nine years after carrying out an "horrendous" assault that left a woman in a life-threatening condition.

Matthew Harris was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine when he targeted his victim, causing injuries that could have resulted in her bleeding to death, Southampton Crown Court was told.

Timothy Bradbury, prosecuting, said the offence was committed in 2020.

The defendant started kissing his victim, initially with her consent, after they found themselves alone together in a flat. On several occassions he became more forceful before sexually assaulting her, the court heard.

Mr Bradbury said the victim was taken to hospital, where she underwent surgery.

"She'd lost 20 per cent of her circulating blood. This is a life-threatening condition that without treatment can result in organ failure and ultimately death."

In a statement read to the court the victim said: "There is never a moment in my life when it doesn't affect me in some way.

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"I have cried almost every day. I have hardly slept, I have hardly eaten. I can't control my emotions any more. I am a broken shell of my former self."

Harris, 25, of Merlin Court, Bishop's Waltham, had previously pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Alejandraj Tascon, mitigating, acknowledged that the victim had suffered a horrific ordeal, resulting in severe physical and psychological harm.

She described the assault as "extremely out of character", saying Harris was regarded by those who knew him as kind, friendly and caring.

Miss Tascon added: "He is keen to make amends for what he has done and has asked me to apologise profusely [to the victim] for what he has done."

Judge Keith Cutler said Harris became vicious and aggressive, inflicting horrendous injuries.

The defendant was jailed for nine years and will be on the sexual offenders' register for life. He was also made the subject of a restraining order that will last indefinitely.