A MAN has been jailed for a "prolonged and sustained" rape on a railway footbridge that "robbed a young woman of carefree adulthood".

John Sommerville Taylor Horne, 39, attacked the woman in her 20s on the footbridge that crossed over Western Way, close to Fareham train station.

The victim had left Slug and Lettuce in the town at around 1am on March 19 before walking along West Street when a man she did not know approached her.

READ MORE: CCTV released after woman raped on Fareham train station footbridge

He threatened the woman before he assaulted and raped her on the bridge.

The attack was described as prolonged and sustained.

Horne was identified following extensive enquiries after an investigation was launched.

Horne, of Broadacre Place in Fareham, admitted two rapes and assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court on April 25.

On Wednesday he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

He will be subject to notification requirements for the rest of his life.

READ MORE: Police step up patrols after woman raped on footbridge

Through a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described how the attack had not only changed her life, but the lives of those around her including her family and friends.

In the statement, she said: “I know for a fact that I will come out of this stronger and although I will never be back to my normal self, I will get better because of the amazing support around me from friends, family, work colleagues and the police. I cannot thank them enough.”

Sentencing, Judge Richard Shepherd noted the prolonged and sustained course of sexual violence involved in the offences, and the impact this had on the victim.

He said: “You have robbed this young woman of what should have been a carefree and safe young adulthood.

“Your actions, your attack, not only has had the most devastating effect on [the woman], who showed such bravery in stark contrast to your cowardice - you have caused every young woman both at that time and now to feel the need to look over their shoulders, to take precautions, to change behaviours.

“All because you decided to attack. But it’s not women that need to change their behaviour, it is attackers such as you.”

If you have been affected by sexual abuse, you can report this to police in confidence by calling 101.

For more information on where to seek support, see the police website.

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