A man has been jailed for over five years for the rape of a woman in Stoke-on-Trent.

Alfie Tilsley, aged 22, of no fixed address, appeared at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Tuesday (16 June).

He was handed a five-and-a-half-year custodial sentence after pleading guilty to rape of a woman in the Bucknall area in January this year.

Staffordshire Police said the victim reported that Tilsley had raped her before threatening her to not to report what happened.

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "She bravely came forward to us and we took action.

"Tilsley was arrested by officers a few days later, and though he initially denied the offences, he went on to admit them in court on the first day of a planned trial."

Along with his prison-term, Tilsley was made the subject of a restraining order.

Upon his release, he will need to regularly register at his local police station as part of requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

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Speaking following sentencing, Detective Constable Clare Horner, of the Staffordshire Police rape and serious sexual offences department, said: "Tilsley not only subjected the victim to an awful ordeal, but then went on to make threats and deny what he had done.

"I am glad he has since admitted his offending and that he has been handed a custodial sentence.

"I'd like to praise the courage of the victim for coming forward and hope that the prison term provides her with some comfort as she continues with the rest of her life."

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police added: "If you have been affected by sexual abuse and would like to report it to us, call us on 101, use Live Chat on our website or call 999 in an emergency."

For the details of support services, visit: Support after rape and sexual assault | Staffordshire Police