A 31-YEAR-OLD man who beat up and sexually assaulted a woman after dragging her along the ground, is awaiting sentence.

Andrew Courtney, formerly of Beaconsfield Street, Great Harwood, was found guilty of rape and assault causing actual bodily harm, after a week-long trial at Burnley Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody until May 10 by David Pirie.

The jury had been told how the defendant lost his temper and his self control in the early hours attack.

The victim was subjected to a forceful and protracted episode of violence during which she screamed for help and was abused by Courtney.

She was grabbed by the scruff of the neck, dragged along a street but then told the court how she froze and did what she was told as she did not want to be hurt.

The woman said she was in pain but Courtney told her to perform a sex act. He then demanded sexual intercourse and the complainant thought if she did not go through with it, the defendant would probably hurt her again.

Courtney had sex with the woman twice.

She told the court ; " I just felt sick. I was crying. I never stopped crying."