POLICE have spoken out about the shocking rape of a woman who was attacked by a "predatory" man who hid upstairs in her home in Oldham.

Adam Howard was invited by some friends to join a party in Oldham earlier this year after lots of alcohol had been drunk, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

A young woman who lived at the home had never met Howard before but had rejected a Facebook friend request and did not want him present so he was asked to leave by her friends.

But Judge John Potter said that instead of leaving he went upstairs “in hiding”.

Addressing Howard, 29, of Shaw Road, Oldham, via a videolink in prison, he said: “Your attack began in the bathroom and a neighbour overheard screaming.

“You attacked her in her mother’s bedroom and brutally raped her.”

Judge Potter said Howard “degraded” her by biting her on her shoulder during the harrowing ordeal.

The woman was left with injuries across her body.

Yesterday, Wednesday, Howard was sentenced this week to 12 years in prison and given a further four years on licence after being found guilty of rape and causing actual bodily harm.

After committing the sexual assault within an hour of arriving Howard left the home and the victim reported the attack to the police.

He was arrested and in a prepared statement he said that he had consensual sex with the woman.

Howard was charged with rape and causing actual bodily harm and was found guilty in a trial in October.

The jury saw through his lies, Judge Potter said.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Kate Dawson, of Greater Manchester Police's Oldham's Criminal Investigation Department, said: "The victim was not only sexually assaulted, but she was also punched and covered in bruises.

"The impact of Howard's predatory and wicked actions will be something she will have to live with for the rest of her life.

"While justice may have been served, today's sentence will sadly never take away from the pain he put her through.

"We strongly urge anyone who is a survivor of sexual abuse to please get in contact with us so that we can make sure those reports are investigated with a view to bringing the offenders to justice."

Anyone affected by this case should contact police online, if able, via www.gmp.police.uk, or call 101. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182