A sex offender who confessed to ruining a young married woman's life in a broad daylight rape attempt was jailed yesterday for six years.
Judge John Shand told Wayne Sowter-Snodgrass at Stafford Crown Court: "This was a chilling offence.
"You stalked this young woman on her way to work and you terrified her in a violent attack and threatened to kill her. You are dangerous and the risk of you offending again is high. The public has to be protected."
Sowter-Snodgrass (30) of Patch Close, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffordshire, pleaded guilty to attempted rape, indecent assault and assaulting a policeman with intent to resist arrest.
Sowter-Snodgrass said in a letter written to the court and read by Mr Darren Whitehead, defending: "I can't even begin to explain how ashamed I feel. I caused so much damage and hurt that I cannot even begin to say sorry because sorry does not mean enough. I can't believe I committed the crime I have been charged with.
"I am ashamed and disgusted with myself. I have quite possibly ruined an innocent woman's life and she will never forget it.
"I had no right to do what I did."
