A VILE predator who subjected a woman to a series of assaults where he stabbed and raped her has been jailed.

Stuart Wiseman, 46, of no fixed abode, targeted the vulnerable victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, over a period of two days where he stabbed her in the leg and raped her in Rayleigh.

He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, June 13, where he received 12 years in prison and eight years on an extended licence for one count of rape.

He received two year sentences for three counts of actual bodily harm and 18 months for breaching a restraining order, all to run concurrently.

Between Wednesday, February 20, and Wednesday, February 27, Wiseman subjected the woman to numerous assaults at an address in Rayleigh.

The victim was unable to recall what days they occurred but reported they were over a two-day period.

During that time she was also raped by Wiseman and stabbed in the leg.

Essex Police officers investigated the case and after searching for Wiseman, pulled him over on the A130 near Chelmsford and arrested him.

He was charged with a string of violent offences including rape, ABH and breaching a restraining order which he admitted at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Investigating officer PC Emma Habbershaw, of Essex Police’s Adult Sexual Abuse Investigations Team, said: "Wiseman is a dangerous individual and this was reflected in his sentence following his horrific crimes against a vulnerable woman. I want to thank the victim for her courage throughout this investigation and to her family for the support they have provided her through this difficult time.

“Even after he has served time in custody, Wiseman will continue to be monitored and will have to abide to a life-time of notifications and an indefinite restraining order.

“The victim has continued to receive specialist care from our officers and she has shown a great deal in courage in supporting our investigation.

“I hope his sentence, and the fact that Wiseman is locked in a prison, offers some comfort to her after her ordeal.”

A count of actual bodily harm, theft, breaching a restraining order and criminal damage will remain on file.

Wiseman is also subject to life-long notification requirements and he received an indefinite restraining order which prohibits him from contacting the victim.