Launched a vicious sexual attack on a terrified naked woman and pinned her down in her own bed after he invaded her home.

Stephen Clavering, 47, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for a vicious sexual attack on a woman in her own home. Clavering had previously sent "horrendous" and "vile" messages to the woman before invading her home while she was asleep.

The victim, who was sleeping in her home, awoke to find Clavering in her bedroom. He had been watching pornography before the attack and was in a "highly sexualized state of mind." Clavering pulled back the covers and forced himself on the woman, pinning her down and putting his hand over her mouth. The woman struggled to breathe and told him to get off her.

Eventually, the woman managed to put some clothes on and flee barefoot to a neighbor's house to raise the alarm. Clavering followed her outside and threatened to hit her with a bicycle chain before cycling away.

The court heard that Clavering had sent the woman a barrage of "highly intimidating, menacing and threatening voice messages." He admitted assaulting a female police officer after his arrest.

Clavering denied the sexual assault and assault charges, but was convicted by a jury. He was also convicted of trespass with intent to commit a sexual assault and sending offensive messages to the woman.

In a statement, the victim said she was "still in shock" and suffered from flashbacks and constant fear. She had a panic alarm installed and was determined to "refuse to let what he did have a negative impact" on her life.

Judge John Thackray QC said Clavering had "invaded her home while she was sleeping" and "launched a vicious sexual attack upon her." He added that Clavering's actions had had a "profound effect" on the victim.

Clavering was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was given an indefinite restraining order.