Serial rapist Graham Rankine is facing a lengthy prison sentence after admitting attempted rape, robbery and unlawful wounding, writes Andrew Ffrench.

Oxford Crown Court heard how Rankine, 41, a rugby-playing body-builder, tried to rape a young woman in Oxford city centre on August 20 last year. He was arrested after a passer-by intervened.

Judge Anthony King adjourned sentencing so that psychiatric reports on Rankine could be prepared. He was refused bail.

Rankine's record as a serial rapist will be taken into account when he is sentenced for the latest offence. The amateur rugby player was 18 when he first came to the attention of the police. In 1976, he was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse after forcing himself on a 13-year-old girl.

Released on bail, and while awaiting sentence, he raped a 16-year-old girl after meeting her in a pub.

Once again, he was released on bail. This time, he raped a 17-year-old girl and was given six-months' detention.

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

The amateur boxer struck for a fifth time and in 1986, at Winchester Crown Court, was jailed for life. Two years ago, he was allowed out of prison on licence.

After acquiring 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 Harlequins.

A police spokesman said: "His latest victim - a young woman - is still severely traumatised by the attack down a lane in the centre of Oxford.

"Rankine bashed her head against a wall, but before he could do anything, someone who saw what was happening, summoned help.

"The police arrived in time."

Story date: Tuesday 01 February

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