A CRUMLIN man has been jailed for eight years after being found guilty of rape.

Damien Strickland, aged 25, of Trinant Terrace, appeared at Newport Crown Court facing one charge of rape, one of assault by penetration, and one of theft.

He was found guilty at trial for all three offences, which took place last year.

James Wilson, prosecuting, said that the victim - who cannot be named  - had described herself as “eight or nine” on a one-to-ten scale of intoxication.

In a victim impact statement she also said she was “constantly concerned” about the outcome of the trial.

The statement added that she “will have memories of (the incident) for a long time”, the court heard.

Strickland stole the victim's bank card after the incident and used it to withdraw £150 cash, the court was also told.

Jeffrey Jones, defending, called the actions of Strickland “out of character” and said he had no previous convictions.

He also emphasised Strickland's work ethic, mentioning his previous jobs at Lloyds Bank, Littlewoods and Newport firm DX Freight — where he worked at the time of the offence.

Recorder Paul Lewis QC said the victim was “virtually comatose” during the incident, while Strickland was sober.

The judge added that the 25-year-old showed “no sense of remorse or contrition for his actions at any stage of the proceedings”.

Strickland received an eight year prison sentence, of which he will spend at least at least four years in jail.

Recorder Lewis QC also said a restraining order would be activated, preventing Strickland from contacting the victim in person or through indirect methods, including social media.

He will also be listed on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.