A SEX monster who subjected a young woman to a degrading attack as she walked home alone from a Gravesend nightclub could be free in less than two years, a court heard on Friday.

Married father-of-two Robert Lewis was given an indeterminate sentence but could be considered for parole after just 659 days.

Judge Philip Statman passed the sentence at Maidstone Crown Court after concluding that Lewis posed a high risk of harm to vulnerable women.

The judge said the case "encompassed every woman’s worst fear - to be confronted by a stranger, dragged into an alley and be the subject of a vicious sexual attack".

The single mum, who cannot be identified, was confronted by 31-year-old Lewis in August last year. After striking up a conversation, he dragged her down an alleyway and subjected her to a terrifying sexual assault.

It had, Maidstone Crown Court heard, had a "profound emotional effect" on her and left her to this day feeling sick if she ventures out at night.

Lewis admitted two offences of assault by penetration and one of attempted rape. At the start of his hearing the court was told that Lewis wanted to change his pleas but he was refused by Judge Statman.

Lewis, of Whitechapel Road, Whitechapel, was identified through DNA evidence and was arrested in February this year.

He was also convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm to a 19-year-old girl in March last year.

Lewis, who the judge said had shown no remorse, has spent 253 days in custody on remand.