A RAPIST has admitted to his crime - more than eight years after putting a woman through a terrifying ordeal.

Wayne Adams had escaped justice until police arrested him in December on suspicion of carrying out the attack on the victim as she walked along Edwin Road in Rainham on August 11, 1996.

Adams, 36, of Lyminge Close, Gillingham, stood in the dock at Maidstone Crown Court and admitted rape and attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle with intent to rape.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, adjourned sentence until March 23 after a request for reports.

Robert O’Sullivan, defending, said it had not been an easy decision to plead guilty to the offences. "More importantly, this is obviously a very serious case,” he said.

Adams had no previous convictions for sexual offences or serious violence, although he had committed assault causing actual bodily harm.

“The court may be considering an extended sentence and the risk to the public,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Eleanor Laws, prosecuting, handed to the judge impact statements which had been made by the victim.

Adams, who wore a red shirt with England across it, was remanded in custody.