A SERIAL sexual predator who targeted a teenager and a pensioner has had an appeal against his jail term dismissed.

Adam Collier, 28, was locked up for 14 years last December after he was found guilty of raping a 17-year-old at knifepoint outside the Union Exchange pub, in Colne.

Collier, formerly of Colne, Nelson and Burnley, went to the Court of Appeal in a bid to have his sentence reduced, but the request was refused.

The Crown Prosecution Service welcomed the decision and praised Collier's teenage victim for her 'immense bravery'.

Collier was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration following a trial at Burnley Crown Court in May.

At a re-trial in Preston in December, Collier was found guilty of two more rape charges and two offences of sexual assault, while jurors cleared him of one charge of assault by penetration.

His 14-year prison sentence came with an additional four-year extended period on licence for public protection.

Sophie Lorimer, senior Crown prosecutor for CPS North West, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of today’s hearing at the Court of Appeal, whereby following a full hearing Adam Collier’s appeal was dismissed.

"This was clearly a pre-planned and targeted stranger rape. Collier subjected a vulnerable teenage girl to an horrific sexual attack, whilst threatening her with a knife, after dragging her down an alleyway next to a town centre pub.

"The victim showed immense bravery in coming forward and standing up to her attacker; courageously giving evidence against him at two trials, which resulted in him being brought to justice.

"Adam Collier is dangerous and predatory and will now continue to serve the full sentence he was given, making the streets of East Lancashire a safer place for women.

"The CPS and police are committed to bringing those who have committed such offences before the courts and will support victims in every possible way throughout the process."

The rapes took place in an alleyway shed in Skelton Street at around 2.20am on November 3, 2013, after the girl had been refused entry to the Market Street venue for being under-age.

Collier was previously convicted of molesting a 71-year-old woman in 2004.