A young woman was raped in her own car in a side street in Lostock Hall by a man who has ‘shown no remorse’ say police.
Neil Reid has been jailed for 20 years and six months for the horrific ordeal he subjected his victim to.
The woman, aged in her early 20s, had finished work in the Leyland area on Thursday 17 April when she was approached by 43-year-old Reid.
Read more: Police investigate rape of woman in her 40s in Leyland alleyway
He got into the front passenger seat and threatened her with a knife demanding she drive to Lostock Hall.
The woman did so and was raped by Reid in Sephton Street, off Watkin Lane.
She managed to break free and run to a nearby pub and seek help.
Reid, of Towngate, Leyland, made off with the victim’s car which was dumped at a house in Preston.
He then broke into a house, armed with the knife, and demanded the keys to another car but fled empty handed.
Lancashire Police identified him as the suspect and he was charged two days later after being captured on CCTV footage.
Reid appeared at Preston Crown Court in May and admitted two counts of rape, two counts of attempted robbery, kidnap and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence as well as threatening another with an article or a blade or point.
As well as a jail term he has an extended licence for a further eight years on top of his sentence.
His victim said she suffers from anxiety and sleepless nights and remains on medication since the attack.
She no longer trusts anyone, has lost her freedom and is scared to go out alone.
The victims of the break-in at the property in Preston also said they had been left suffering sleepless nights and Reid’s raid had a lasting and massive impact on their lives.
Detective Inspector Ian Derbyshire, of South CID, said: “Neil Reid is clearly a dangerous sexual predator who targeted a lone woman and subjected her to an absolutely horrific ordeal before breaking into a property armed with a knife and confronting the occupants.
“He has shown no remorse for the trauma he has caused with his brutal crimes which have left a deep and lasting impact.
“I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to support our investigation and this prosecution which ensures that women will be protected from Reid for a considerable time.”
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