A VILE rapist continued to assault a woman despite her pleas for him to stop.

Michael Taberner was jailed for six years following a trial at Preston Crown Court.

A jury heard how the 34-year-old continued to sexually assault the woman in Blackburn even after she pleaded for him to stop and repeatedly said no.

He later contacted his victim, a woman in her 30s, acknowledging what he had done to her and apologising.

However when he was arrested and interviewed by police he denied any wrongdoing ans said any sexual activity that took place was consensual.

He was found guilty of two counts of rape.

As well as being given the custodial sentence, Taberner, of Valley Road, Wigan, was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

DC Vicky Heys, of East CID, praised Taberner’s victim for her bravery throughout the police and court process.

DC Heys added: “Taberner is a manipulative and cowardly individual who consistently lied about what he had done, despite having sent text messages to the victim acknowledging his vile behaviour.

“He continued to toy with his victim’s emotions by taking the case to trial and forced her to go through the ordeal of giving evidence.

“This was despite the overwhelming evidence against him.

“I would like to praise the victim in this case for the bravery and strength she has shown throughout this process.

“Hopefully she may now be able to sleep slightly easier at night, knowing that her attacker is now behind bars.”

DC Heys went on to say that the force were dedicated to put sexual criminals behind bars.

She said: “I hope this case demonstrates the commitment Lancashire Constabulary has to seeking justice for the victims of serious sexual offences. If you have been the victim of a sexual offence, please contact the police on 101, knowing that you will be believed and listened to.

“Finally, I would a like to praise the investigation team and our colleagues from the CPS for securing the evidence and subsequent conviction in this case.”

If you have been the victim of a crime, you can contact Lancashire Constabulary by ringing 101.