A man who subjected an Ashford rape victim to a savage attack before robbing her has been branded "evil" and given a 20 year sentence.

Thug Bret Newton was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court of five charges – including twice raping his frightened victim.

As he carried out his vile sex attacks, he stuffed a dressing gown into her mouth to silence her.

Now a judge has sent the 20-year-old to prison for 15 years – and added another five years which has to be served on licence when he is released.

The jury heard how he talked his way into a house in Maidstone Road, Ashford, in March last year before subjecting his victim to the prolonged attack.

Afterwards he told the victim to sleep, promising he would stay to protect her – but instead stole her cash and credit card.

Judge James O'Mahony told him: "You did this while you were on bail for other serious offences and you have previous convictions for drugs, serious violence and arson.

"During these attacks you pulled her hair and put your hands around her throat, gripping with such force she feared she would lose consciousness.

"This was controlling, violent, bullying conduct. Even afterwards you told her you would look after her, but you just stole from her.

"She suffered much more than physical injuries and you pose a danger to the public. This was just evil behaviour!"

He said that by pleading not guilty, the drug addict made his victim relive her appalling ordeal.