A woman was forced into a bathroom where she suffered knife injuries trying to defend herself from an "appalling" attack by a rapist.

Jude Smyth, from York Way, Watford, raped and assaulted the woman at an address in Bushey earlier this year during the early hours of May 24.

St Albans Crown Court heard Smyth, 32, had gone to an address to visit a woman and her friend, who later left.

When the woman asked Smyth to leave, he became aggressive, dragging her into the bathroom and sexually assaulting her.

He then locked her in and continued to assault her throughout the night before leaving.

She also suffered knife injuries to her hands while trying to defend herself.

The victim told her friend about the attack the next day and police were called.

An arrest was made and Smyth was remanded into custody.

He pleaded guilty to rape and section 20 grievous bodily harm (GBH) assault.

He was jailed for six years and nine months during a sentencing on Tuesday, December 1.

He will also remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Detective Sergeant Georgina Fenge, from the constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT), said: “Smyth’s actions were absolutely appalling and left his victim in intense fear. I would like to commend her for the bravery and dignity she has shown throughout the trial.

“Nothing will ever erase this harrowing ordeal from her memory, but I hope she can perhaps now begin to move forward from what happened.

“We will always do all we can to secure justice for victims and in this case we are also requesting a referral is made to the Attorney General to have the sentence reviewed, as we believe it is unduly lenient.”

She added: “There may be other victims who are reluctant to report a sexual assault because they fear they will be accused of breaching the COVID-19 restrictions. Please be assured that this is not the case and a victim of a serious sexual offence will always be treated as such. We are here to support victims and bring offenders to justice.”