A SEX attacker who pounced on a young mother in an Accrington back alley in the early hours of the morning has been jailed for three years.

Burnley Crown Court heard Vincent Marsden, 39, had followed the terrified woman, molested her and then stamped on her face in March this year.

She was saved when neighbours were alerted by her screams and ran to her aid.

Sentencing the defendant, who had earlier met his 28 year old victim in a pub and believed she was interested in him, Judge Raymond Bennett said if her cries had not been heard Marsden might have been facing a much more serious charge.

The judge said unlike many men faced with such charges, the defendant had written a "moving ," letter offering his abject apologies for the victim's pain and suffering.

Marsden, of Crabtree Avenue, Waterfoot, who has not been in trouble since 1994, had earlier admitted indecent assault.

Philip Holden, prosecuting, said the victim had gone to an Accrington pub with friends, got talking to the defendant and played darts with him.

It was decided the loser would buy the drinks, Marsden lost and became irritated and abusive.

A short time later the woman left to get a taxi home and the defendant followed her in his car.

After she was dropped off, she started walking and noticed Marsden in his car, which was parked.

He said the victim walked into an alleyway and was then seized from behind by her shoulders by the defendant.

She was pulled backwards and fell over.

He said Marsden leant over the woman and exposed himself and then assaulted her as she screamed for help.

Mr Holden said the defendant committed a sex act on the woman as she struggled to get him off.

At that point, a couple of neighbours, who were also returning home, heard her cries and ran to her help.

The woman was propped up against a wall with Marsden on top of her and he then ran off after stamping on her face.

Police arrived shortly after 2am and found the woman hysterical. She was taken to hospital by ambulance. The prosecutor said the following morning, officers arrested the defendant at his home.

He claimed he and the victim had met by arrangement, she had led him into the alleyway and they had kissed.

The defendant told police he had heard a male voice and had run off because he thought it was the woman's husband.

Anthony Cross, defending, said Marsden was remorseful for his actions and genuinely apologetic for the distress he had caused the victim.

Mr Cross told the court:" The reality is he thought sexual favours were to follow. They didn't. It went from expectation of consent to assault."