A 37-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to life behind bars after "one of the worst" rape cases. 

Kevin Lemm was jailed for life, with a minimum of nine years, after admitting to raping a woman back in January.

He also pleaded guilty to seriously assaulting the woman.

The rape and assault took place in Bridge Street, Castleford, on January 3, 2020.

Lemm, of Denton Terrace, Castleford, subjected his victim to a prolonged assault in which he stabbed her with a knife, Leeds Crown Court heard today.

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The female victim sustained serious and life-changing injuries.

Lemm was arrested a couple of hours after the attack.

He was charged with rape, section 18 wounding, threats to kill, robbery and possession of a bladed article.

Detectives have described the case as one of the worst they have seen.

Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe, from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "Lemm subjected his victim to a horrendous and sustained attack in which he raped and stabbed her with a knife in what was a frightening and horrific ordeal.

"The victim has been left with life-changing injuries from the horrific attack and is coming to terms with what has happened to her.

"Cases of this nature are extremely rare and I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward to report the offences to police.

"I am pleased that Lemm pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity to spare his victim from having to sit through a trial.

"I hope the gravity of Lemm’s sentence goes in some way to give the victim justice and closure after this horrendous ordeal.

"Anyone who has suffered any sexual crime is urged to come forward to the police so that we can investigate it.

"We have specially trained police officers who will offer support and advice throughout."