A ‘DESPICABLE’ rapist is behind bars after ‘overwhelming’ evidence led a jury to unanimously convict him of attacking a stranger in her own home.

The jury, which consisted of five women and seven men, heard during the six-day trial there was a ‘one in a billion’ chance that blood found on defendant Daniel Thompson’s sweatshirt belonged to anyone other than the victim or one of her relations.

Judge Stephen Clarke said: “These were horrific offences. In the scale of rape they were in the most serious bracket.

“The evidence was extremely strong, if not overwhelming.

“When she (the victim) was giving evidence on a number of occasions she was actually physically sick.”

Speaking after the case DI Dougie Shaw, who led the investigation, said: “This was a despicable attack on a young woman.

“Thompson’s total disregard for her feelings and lack of remorse is self evident given his decision to plead not guilty.

“I would like to thank all of the witnesses, members of the public and my officers alike for their contribution to the investigation. “In particular, I would like to pay testament to the bravery of the victim in supporting this prosecution. “The trial must have been difficult in the extreme for her.”

Andrew Long, prosecuting the 24-year-old, of Wilderspool Causeway, told Warrington Crown Court the defendant followed the 23-year-old to her flat as she left the lift in her building, which cannot be named, at around 10.30pm on April 30.

He pushed past her as she tried to open the front door and demanded she take her clothes off before punching her in the face and raping her.

She was left with a catalogue of injuries.

The woman said she sprayed scented aromatherapy oil on to her attacker’s face to ‘buy her time’ to run and shout for help.

A stain on Thompson’s hooded sweatshirt was later found to be a perfect match to the substance the Christian, who cannot be named for legal reasons, sprayed.

But the defendant spun a web of lies, claiming the woman had consented to having intercourse.

When the jury returned its verdict, tears of relief were shed by the family of the victim.

Thompson’s mum shouted from the public gallery: “He hasn’t done it. I know he hasn’t done it.”

Judge Clarke said: “I don’t blame Daniel Thompson’s mother (for saying he was not guilty of the crime), she doesn’t believe her son could do wrong.

“So blind are those who cannot see.”

Judge Clarke adjourned the sentencing until November.

He said he will consider whether to hand the criminal an indeterminate jail term for public protection or a set tariff.