A GATECRASHER who sneaked into a house party and later raped a student was jailed for life.

No-one at the party in Manchester, knew Anthony Pryde, 23, as he mingled with about 70 guests.

Manchester Crown Court heard Pryde came across the gathering as he walked past the property in October last year.

Later in the night he struck when his victim, a 20-year-old Manchester University student, fell asleep in her bedroom.

Pryde, of Grosvenor Road, Whalley Range, woke her up and then subjected her to a horrific sexual assault, the court was told.

Screams

The woman's screams for help were heard by two guests, who came to her rescue.

Pryde then casually left and was confronted by the partygoers before making his escape. Pryde, who pleaded guilty to rape, was later arrested at his home address.

Outside court, Detective Constable Maria Angelides said: "This was a despicable attack on a young woman in the privacy and safety of her own bedroom.

"Pryde subjected the woman to a prolonged sexual assault which, understandably, has left the victim deeply traumatised.

"I hope this result can bring the victim some kind of comfort in the knowledge that this dangerous man is now behind bars."