Bradford man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison after raping a woman

Mr Recorder Patrick Palmer described Stephen John Bradwell’s behavior as “reprehensible”.

The court found that the woman was “drunk” and incapable of consent or resistance when he raped her.

Bradwell, 50, formerly of Hydale Court, Low Moor, was found guilty in February after a seven-day trial.

Prosecutor Michael Morley read out a statement on behalf of the victim in which she said she felt constantly sick and anxious, suffered from flashbacks and panic attacks and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The court heard Bradwell had a long list of previous convictions, including assault, battery, criminal damage, harassment and assaulting emergency workers, in what was described as “a picture of violent crime”.

Recorder Palmer said: “You must understand these are very serious offenses. I worry that you have little or no insight.”

He sentenced Bradwell to a total of eleven years in prison, two-thirds of which he will serve in custody. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Bradwell, who sat with his arms folded during the hearing, said “Thank you, Your Honor” as he left the dock.