A man who raped a 17-year-old girl in Berryhill Fields, Stoke-on-Trent, has pleaded guilty in court.

Jason William Heaton, of Hulme, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape of a woman, attempted rape, cause a female 13 or over to engage in sexual activity and kidnap, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court yesterday (Monday 27 July).

Staffordshire Police say they have been "working tirelessly" to build the evidence against Heaton after he was arrested earlier this month following a report of a rape.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "At about 7pm on 2 July, the victim was walking in Berryhill Fields, off Dividy Road, between Bentilee and Berryhill, when she was raped by Heaton.

"The victim bravely reported what happened and Heaton was arrested and charged.

"We were able to present the court with strong evidence today, which left Heaton no choice but to admit what he did."

Heaton will now be taken to prison ahead of his sentencing date, which is due at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on 30 September.

Speaking following the conviction, Detective Constable Samantha Gales said: "This was a particularly abhorrent attack on the survivor, who has shown immense bravery in coming forward and supporting our investigation."

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