A man from Nelson forced his way into his victim's home, raped her, and said "I will get my boys to rape you" after threatening her with a knife in a chilling episode of sexual violence.

Burnley Crown Court heard how at 2am on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, Jason Halim forced entry into a woman's property in Colne.

Halim was found guilty by a jury of sexual assault on a female, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted rape after a trial on December 5, 2023.

The remorseless, callous rapist has refused to accept guilt for his crimes and was handed an extended sentence due to being a significant danger to the public.

Prosecutor Geoff Whelan told the court that the victim said she had seen Halim, 38, around before, but had never made real contact with him.

CCTV footage showed Halim, of Carradice Close, Nelson, knocking on her door and asking for a cigarette, but when she said no, Halim pushed her and walked inside her flat.

The court heard Halim was high on cocaine and alcohol at the time, and this was 'clearly apparent' to the victim.

Halim then tried to offer money to his victim to perform sexual acts, but when she said no, he repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

Mr Whelan said the victim told Halim to "get off" her and "get out of my flat" many times, but Halim then put his hands over her mouth and told her to "shut up".

Halim then dragged her to the bathroom and said he would get his "boys to rape her", threatening her with a knife if she did not comply.

The victim told Halim she needed to go to bed, but when she tried to leave her flat, he forced violently sexually assaulted her again.

He then got dressed, offered her some cocaine, and asked if she wanted to go back to his flat or to Manchester in his car.

CCTV footage then showed Halim leaving at around 5am, just over three hours after he had entered.

The victim then contacted the police who carried out a forensic investigation.

A victim personal statement was read out in court, which said: "I have had to move area and jobs due to this incident.

"I was scared, anxious and depressed. I fear that I cannot get a boyfriend in the future because I worry what he has done will happen again.

"I saw him at the shops with his wife whilst he was on bail and had to run away.

"I thought I was safe and now because of a man I did not know I was not.

"I just do not want this to happen to anyone else and I never want to see him again."

In mitigation, Claire Larton told the court that whilst Halim respect's the jury's verdict, he still "maintains his innocence", and has a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

She said: "Whilst he used a knife as a threat to the victim, he did not actually have one to physically use on her.

"The defendant himself was sectioned under the Mental Health Act shortly before the offence, showing his own vulnerability.

"He is less of a threat to the public when the court takes into consideration his lack of offending prior and after the incident, especially for sexual offences."

Judge Daniel Prowse, who also presided over Halim's trial, sentenced the defendant to 14 years in prison, and ordered an extended sentence of six years on licence.

He said: "Your victim was a vulnerable member of society and you had never spoken to her.

"You were seen on CCTV repeatedly knocking on her door before you pushed the door hard and forced your way into the flat.

"Your victim made it clear she did not want any contact with you. She was dressed in a night gown and ready for bed.

"You said it was consensual and welcome, but the jury and I reject that. Instead of leaving, you threw her onto her bed and touched her without consent.

"You tried to anally rape her, and when she tried to call the police, you knocked the phone out of her hand and refused to leave.

"You told her you had a knife and would stab her if she made any noise. She did not know you did not have a knife.

"She wasn't able to breathe, and this ordeal lasted for three hours. I have seen the physical injuries from photographs and a body map.

"She was left sore with extensive bruising on her chest. The impact goes beyond the physical, and she feels unsafe, struggling to sleep, and left fearful of answering her door for fear she may be raped again, making her feel very lonely.

"This was a sustained incident of the most serious sexual offence. This must have been a terrifying incident that will likely last for the rest of her life.

"I believe the offending is not related to your disorder, as evidence from Dr Crosby said you were not struggling with the condition at the time, although I note you did have a prior diagnosis.

"Your difficulties do not reject your culpability at the time of this offence, but I accept you do have an enduring illness and I mitigate the sentence somewhat for that.

"But you have showed no acceptance of guilt. Your callous disregard for the victim in aid of your sexual urges is what made you commit this offence.

 "You show no remorse. I conclude you are dangerous and there is a significant risk to the public forcing me to extend your sentence.

"A restraining order is also necessary due to your attitude towards the victim."