Serial rapist Graham Rankine is today facing a second life sentence for a brutal sex attack on an Oxford student.

Rugby player Rankine had been released from a life sentence for a previous rape when he snatched the 30-year-old woman, a junior fellow at a university college.

Yesterday sentence was adjourned at Oxford Crown Court. He has admitted attempted rape, robbery and unlawful wounding, but Stephen Maesner, defending, asked for more details about his past.

Rankine already has four convictions for rape three of his victims were teenagers in a record dating back to 1976, when he was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse after forcing himself on a 13-year-old girl. Released on bail and awaiting sentence, he raped a 16-year-old he met in a pub.

Once again he was released on bail, despite police objections. This time, he raped a 17-year-old and was given six months' detention the maximum allowed because of his age.

Rankine raped his fourth victim in Southampton in 1984. Magistrates ruled he should be held in custody, but a judge, Mr Justice Hobhouse, granted an application for bail.

Rankine, also an amateur boxer, struck for a fifth time and was jailed for life at Winchester Crown Court in 1986. Four years ago, he was allowed out on licence. After getting a flat in Balfour Road, Blackbird Leys, he found a girlfriend and became one of the top wingers for Oxford Marathons rugby club, now called Oxford Harlequins.

Oxford Crown Court heard how he attacked his latest victim after she returned to her college after a night out drinking with friends.

He is due back in court next month.