A CONVICTED rapist from Bolton has been jailed for 10 years by a judge.

Warren Baines was found guilty following a trial at Manchester Crown Court.

His victim told friends about the 2016 sexual attack shortly after it happened, jurors were told.

But it was only after she told a counsellor that the matter was eventually reported to police.

The court heard how Baines had thrown a puppy off the bed after it had come into the room during the incident.

Michael Lavery, prosecuting, read a victim personal statement written by the woman, who was present in court for the sentencing.

She wrote: “He is a large and powerful man and I felt helpless when he forced himself upon me.

“He clearly decided he was going to get what he wanted by attacking me in my bed.”

The woman said she had suffered panic attacks in the four years since the rape.

“I fear he may take retribution out on me,” she said.

“My life has been on hold for four years in fear of him.”

Mr Lavery added that Baines, 49, had numerous previous convictions including wounding, drug importation and public disorder.

Nicola Carroll, defending, said the father-of-two was “not the man described in the victim impact statement”.

Sentencing Baines, of Crook Street, Bolton, to 10 years imprisonment, Judge Hilary Manley said: “You are utterly selfish and uncaring and repeatedly denied doing anything wrong.

"The effect upon her has been as prolonged as it is profound. She told her daughter later that very day, and over the course of the next couple of weeks, she also told friends about what you had done.

"She has had to have therapy, such is the severity of the psychological trauma she has experienced. She experienced flashbacks and felt suicidal. She has had various intensive therapeutic input from various healthcare professionals.

"I have had the opportunity to observe you during the course of this trial, and as you will recall, had occasion to warn you about your behaviour in the courtroom, particularly while your victim was giving evidence.

"Today, at the start of this hearing, you shouted 'liar' at her from the dock. You brought with you two men, the presence of one of whom in the public gallery created such an atmosphere that I have had the courtroom reconfigured so that your victim feels less threatened.

"At the age of 49, you have a long career behind you of appearances in the criminal courts. You have previous convictions for violence, and you have served long periods of imprisonment in the past, for offences of drugs importation among others."

Baines was part of a major north-wet drug smuggling ring which was dealt with in 2003.

The gang was laid low by a 'supergrass', who revealed their plot to flood parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside with cocaine, heroini and cannabis. Baines had accompanied others on a drugs run and was jailed for eight years.

In addition to his jail sentence of which he will serve two thirds, Baines will be the subject of an indefinate restraining order not to approach his victim.