A 43-year-old man has been jailed for a violent sex attack on a student.

Mark Edwards, 43, of Nowell Road, Rose Hill, was jailed for six years at Oxford Crown Court today after admitting assault by penetration.

The court heard Edwards attacked the psychology student in an alley off Southfield Road, in East Oxford, on April 10 last year.

Det Con Debbie North, of Oxford police said: “This was a shocking offence committed by a stranger on a young woman when she was walking the short distance home after a night out.

“Edwards admits dragging the woman into an alleyway and committing a serious sexual assault against her.

“Throughout the offence he threatened to stab her if she did not comply.

“I hope this sentence shows great efforts are made to protect women who live, work and socialise in Oxford.

“The victim in this case showed great courage and fortitude and we have enormous admiration for the manner in which she has supported the investigation.

“Edwards subjected this young woman to a terrifying ordeal and he must now pay the consequences.”