A would-be rapist who was arrested after his victim traced him through Facebook has been jailed for seven years.

Under what is termed an extended sentence for public protection, James Huggett, 22, will have to serve two-thirds before becoming eligible for parole.

Once released, he will then be subject to an extended licence period of three years, making his total sentence imposed at Maidstone Crown Court one of 10 years.

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Judge Martin Joy said the attack on Chanel Purchase in April 2014 was "manipulative and predatory" and he therefore ruled that Huggett was dangerous in the legal sense and poses a significant risk of serious harm to the public.

Huggett, of Woodland Drive, Minster, was convicted of attempting to rape Miss Purchase, who later waived her legal right to anonymity, by a jury in November and sentence adjourned for probation reports.

The court heard today that Huggett still "vehemently" denies the offence, which occurred in the early hours and just yards from Miss Purchase's front door.

There was uproar in court as family and friends of Huggett left the packed public gallery.

VIDEO: Chanel Purchase speaks to reporter Rachel O'Donoghue

Some were heard to abuse Miss Purchase, who was also in the courtroom, while a woman, believed to be Huggett's mother, could be heard screaming hysterically.

She then collapsed in the corridor and paramedics had to be called.

Miss Purchase, who broke down in tears, was escorted from court via a door usually used by jurors and court staff.

During his trial, the jury heard the 21-year-old repeatedly tried to fight off Huggett as he lay on top of her on the pavement after walking her home from outside a Sheerness nightclub.

Huggett had his jogging bottoms around his ankles and had pulled her leggings and underwear down to just above her knees.

Giving evidence, Miss Purchase told how he repeatedly tried to force himself on her while she tensed her legs and told him to stop.

Her ordeal only came to an end when she screamed and he fled. Miss Purchase then ran home where a relative opened the door to find her crying and hysterical.

Some of the attack was also witnessed by a neighbour.

Miss Purchase had not met Huggett before that evening and did not know his name.

"I hope Huggett uses in time custody to reflect upon the impact his actions have had on the victim" - DC Gavin Humphrey

But when he befriended her as she waited for a pal to join her on a night out in the town, they spoke about Facebook.

She later recalled the conversation and, having already reported the attack to police, Miss Purchase traced Huggett on the social media site and emailed an image to officers, who arrested him within hours.

She also picked him out during an identity procedure and his DNA was found on her face.

Huggett, who also gave evidence during the trial, claimed someone else had attacked Miss Purchase.

Passing sentence, Judge Joy said Miss Purchase had "positively discouraged" any attention from Huggett.

"It was clear from her evidence that she did not know how to shake you off or to deal with you.

"You sought to persuade her to come to your house but she refused and made that abundantly clear."

Judge Joy also remarked that Huggett took the opportunity to pounce on Miss Purchase where a broken street light made the area particularly dark.

He added that Huggett had got "very close" to actually raping Miss Purchase but fled when her screams were heard.

Before passing sentence Judge Joy had refused an application by Huggett's legal team for a psychiatric assessment.

The author of the probation report, who found Huggett to be "lifeless, flat and repetitive" during his interview, had also suggested that such a medical report could assist the court.

Tom Stern, defending, said there was little he could say on Huggett's behalf as he still denied being responsible.

After he was convicted, Huggett was remanded in custody, where Mr Stern said his mood was very low and had been suffering extreme nightmares.

Several references handed to the judge described him as being pleasant, caring, honest and hard-working.

The court also heard that Huggett had been "an absolute blessing" to his mother following the death of his brother in a motorcycle accident in October 2014.

When giving evidence during the trial, Huggett admitted repeatedly lying to his legal team when putting his case together because his parents were heartbroken from losing their son.

Under cross-examination by prosecutor Simon Taylor, Huggett agreed he “chose a fake defence over a genuine one” to help his mum and dad.

He said both were with him in May last year when he met with his solicitor, and he did not want to put them under any more pressure.

“I lost my brother in a motorcycle accident and it was only a couple of months before this,” he told the jury.

“My mum and dad were going through so much. They were going through a very hard time and I didn’t want to put more pressure on them.”

Asked how he thought lying to his solicitor would help his parents, Huggett replied: “I don’t know. I should have told the truth.”

But he maintained he had been mistakenly identified as Miss Purchase's attacker.

After sentencing, DC Gavin Humphrey, the investigating officer for the case, said: "The victim responded to what must have been a horrifying ordeal with an incredible amount of bravery and determination.

"Her efforts in identifying Huggett allowed police to secure his arrest within 6-7 hours of the incident and I would like to thank her for her help and courage throughout the investigation and court process.

"I hope Huggett uses in time custody to reflect upon the impact his actions have had on the victim."