Brutal rapist gets 10 years for attack on woman with learning difficulties in Black Country park
A rapist who attacked a young woman with learning difficulties as she walked her dog in a Black Country park has been jailed for 10 years.
Ashley Yates threatened his 21-year-old victim with the words 'I will see you again' after the brutal attack.
The father-of-one, whose criminal record includes indecent exposure and indecent assault, struck as his victim was out enjoying an afternoon dog walk in a Dudley park on May 3 last year.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how the 31-year-old was urinating when his victim passed by and told him he should not be doing that in public.
Miss Samantha Crabb, prosecuting, said Yates then followed her, forced her to her knees and made her perform a sex act. He also indecently assaulted her.
The victim told the jury: "He grabbed me and told me to shut up."
Miss Crabb added: "She raised her voice and kept saying 'leave me alone'. At one point he put his hand over her mouth. She was crying."
The court heard how the rape had had a long-lasting effect on the victim, who still suffers daily flashbacks.
Judge Amjad Nawaz said: "She was telling you 'no' but you were overtaken by your sexual desire.
"You then gave a clear indication that you would seek her out again and this must have frightened her out of her wits.
"You represent a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public through the commission of sexual offences."
Yates, of Mark Road, Wednesbury, originally denied oral rape and indecent assault but was found guilty following a trial.
Judge Nawaz sentenced him to 10 years in prison with an extended four-year period of licence after release.
Miss Jabeen Akhtar, defending, said Yates had a low IQ.
She added: "It was an opportunist crime. It was appalling behaviour for which he did not have the courage to accept his guilt until after being convicted which was very late in the day."
Police have not issued Yates' photograph.
