Stalker, 36, jailed for rape attack

A 36-year-old man who stalked and raped a woman in Shrewsbury has been jailed indeterminately to protect the public.

Gary Morris admitted rape and wounding with intent.

The attack happened on November 22.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday Morris, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence which has been set at a 96 months notional sentence of which he must serve 48 months before he is eligible for parole.

He was also told he would be on licence and on the Sex Offenders Register for the rest of his life.

Mr Mark Linkins, prosecuting, said the victim was a 26-year-old who was on her way home after a night out. She was near the Dana Prison when she realised she was being followed.

"Fearing for her safety she was in the process of ringing a friend on her mobile when it was knocked out of her hands," he said.

"The defendent grabbed her and she screamed, he put his hand over her mouth and punched her in the face."

The court heard the woman was dragged to steps leading down to the river where she was attacked and told she was to be drowned.

But Mr Linkins said Morris fled after being interrupted by a group.

"He was ripping at her clothes and saying he was going to kill her," he added. "She believed if he was not disturbed he would have killed her."

The victim suffered bruises, two broken ribs and heavy swelling to her face and leg. She also had stitches. Morris was identified by police using CCTV.

Mr Ian Durant, for Morris, said the only mitigation he could provide was a guilty plea.