Soldier jailed for attempted rape

A drunken solider who tried to rape a woman on her way home from a nightclub in Leics has been jailed for six years.

Ratu Takiveitata, 25, based at the MoD North Luffenham, Rutland, attacked the 32-year-old victim in an alleyway.

Leicester Crown Court heard Takiveitata had been drinking heavily before meeting the woman as they left Bella nightclub in Oakham last September.

Takiveitata admitted attempted rape. Judge Simon Hammond described him as a "sexual predator".

The court was told the married father pinned her down in an alleyway.

Any man who behaves in this disgusting way to a woman must receive a substantial punishment Judge Simon Hammond

Takiveitata was based with the 1st Battalion of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment.

The Fijian national will have his visa revoked, which means he must leave Britain when his prison term ends.

He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Judge Hammond said: "I make it absolutely clear that any man who behaves in this disgusting way to a woman must receive a substantial punishment."

Takiveitata had become a father on the day of the attack when his wife gave birth to his daughter in Cyprus, the court was told.