11 years for 'nightmare' rape

A 21-year-old rapist has been jailed for 11 years and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life.

Anthony West, from Knockwood Crescent in Belfast, attacked a young woman as she slept in her bed last November.

The court heard she had rejected West's approaches and phoned him a taxi, but he returned and got into the house.

"Although it will not change what happened, it's a bit of justice," said the 20-year-old victim.

"I just hope more girls will be able to come forward, stand up and go through it. At least I have got this far and stood up to him."

Judge Derick Rodgers said it was "the stuff of nightmares - for a woman living on her own, to wake up in her own bed and to find that bed occupied by a man intent on sexual gratification, no matter what your wishes".

West has lodged an appeal against his conviction.