A MAN has pleaded guilty to raping a teenage girl as she slept.

The offence happened on September 8 at a house in Clitheroe after the rapist, Anthony William Stinson, and the victim had both attended a house party where alcohol had been consumed.

The 17-year-old victim had gone to sleep and woke up in the early hours of the morning to find Stinson, 21, of Derby Street, Clitheroe raping her.

The victim screamed, which raised the alarm, and police were called.

Officers arrived to find Stinson in the street outside, where he was arrested.

Stinson was due to stand trial for the offence at Preston Crown Court yesterday, but he admitted the rape, and changed his plea to guilty. He will be sentenced on March 24, after psychiatric reports have been carried out and passed to the court.

Addressing Stinson in court, his Honour Judge Knowles QC said: “You have been convicted by your own guilty plea, under the Sexual Offences Act.”

Judge Knowles told Stinton he would be ordered to sign the sex offenders register, for a length of that would be determined at his sentencing. Stinson was remanded into custody, and Judge Knowles warned that imprisonment would be inevitable.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “This was an appalling offence committed against a young girl as she slept.

“I’m pleased he has admitted his actions and spared her the ordeal of having to give evidence.”