A MAN convicted of raping a woman in an alleyway in Blackburn has been given a six year jail sentence.

A jury had been told that John Eastham pulled the woman, who was in her 20s, down a dark alley, pushed her against an iron staircase and forced himself upon her.

But he later denied the allegation against him, claiming that sex had taken place with her consent.

Eastham, 31, of Gillibrand Street, Darwen, pleaded not guilty to a charge of rape, but was convicted by a jury following trial.

A judge passing sentence at Preston Crown Court directed that Eastham be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Miss Suzanne Goddard, prosecuting, said the offence took place last February. He followed the woman out of a club, pushed her down an alley and forced her to have sex against stairs there.

She later left the alleyway extremely upset and crying.

Mr Nick Kennedy, defending, said there were no particularly aggravating features in the case.

He maintained his innocence and since the conviction the defendant's mind had been "all over the place".

Judge Edward Slinger said: "Any rape is serious. Any rape leaves a woman distressed and it may well have a long term effect upon this woman."

The judge said he was satisfied, having read a background report on Eastham, that there remained a real risk of further serious violence.

"You are assessed as medium to high risk" said Judge Slinger. "It is quite clear if you are released, further assistance must be available to monitor your behaviour while out in the community".

After serving the jail term, the defendant will be on extended supervision.