Party gatecrasher jailed for rape

Pryde carried out a horrific assault, police say

A man who raped a student in her own bedroom after gatecrashing a house party has been jailed for nine years.

Anthony Pryde, 23, went into the house in Withington, south Manchester, after stumbling across the gathering.

Manchester Crown Court heard that he mingled with about 70 guests before sneaking into a bedroom and attacking the 20-year-old woman.

Pryde, of Grosvenor Road in Whalley Range, pleaded guilty to rape at an earlier hearing.

Victim 'traumatised'

Police said the University of Manchester student was awoken and subjected to a "horrific sexual assault" in October 2006.

Her screams alerted other people in the house and Pryde was confronted as he escaped. He was later arrested at home.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing on Thursday, Det Con Maria Angelides said: "This was a despicable attack on a young woman in the privacy and safety of her own bedroom.

"Pryde subjected the woman to a prolonged sexual assault which, understandably, has left the victim deeply traumatised.

"I hope this result can bring the victim some kind of comfort in the knowledge that this dangerous man is now behind bars."

Pryde was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register.