AN “OPPORTUNIST” sex attacker has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Peter Dobbins, 41, tried to rape a 26-year-old woman at a house in Burnley, last September, a court heard.

Yesterday, unemployed Dobbins, who had previous convictions for drink-related crimes, was jailed by a judge at Preston Crown Court after admitting attempted rape.

Afterwards, a detective who investigated the incident explained the effect it had had on the victim.

Detective Constable John McNamara, from Burnley CID, said: “She was severely traumatised by this attack and she came and reported it to police straight away.

“I am glad that now she can start to put it all behind her, get over it and get on with her life.”

Dobbins, a divorced father-of-three, of Holmestrand Avenue, off Rossendale Road, Burnley, had been drinking when he attacked the woman and tried to rape her on the night of September 6 last year.

The victim reported it to detectives and Dobbins was arrested then charged with rape.

However, he pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted rape on the day his trial was due to begin and the more serious charge was dropped.

DC McNamara added: “We are pleased with the sentence of four-and-a-half years and it sends out the right message that attacks like this by opportunists like Dobbins will not be tolerated.”