Detectives have praised the courage of a woman after the man who raped her was jailed for seven years and seven months.

Officers said her bravery throughout the investigation and court process was to be commended after coming forward to speak of her ordeal at the hands of Ryan Neale, 23.

Neale, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to rape following an investigation and case put together by police and prosecutors in the city.

Detective Constable Hein Van Der Westhuizen was the officer overseeing the case.

Speaking after the sentencing, he said: “Neale is an evil man who failed to accept any responsibility for what he did until the very end.

“He lied, hid from police and was deceitful throughout.

“This was a terrible ordeal for this woman and the threats made placed her under extreme stress.

“I want to thank her for coming forward and commend her bravery, courage and support for the investigation throughout this extremely difficult, life-changing process.”

The crime was carried out in October last year and involved Neale making a series of threats towards the woman before raping her.

She contacted police, prompting a manhunt for Neale.

He tried to evade capture but was found hiding by officers within the inside the void of a sofa underneath cushions.

Appearing at Carlisle Crown Court, he was sentenced to 91 months. He will also be listed as a registered sex offender and will be subject of an indefinite restraining order.

DC Van Der Westhuizen added: “All crimes such as this are treated seriously and with sensitivity.

“UWe understand that not everybody who has suffered sexual assault or rape wants a police investigation or to go court.

“It is really important that everyone knows that there are support services available should they need them, whether or not there is a criminal investigation.

“If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault, we would always encourage you to report it to police, so that we can ensure you are put in contact with the appropriate support service.

“Your report will be taken seriously and investigated by specialist officers should you wish.

“However, there are a large range of support services that can be accessed regardless of whether you have reported a crime to the police or not.”

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

A list of services available in your postcode area are summarised here: https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/

HOW DO I REPORT TO POLICE?

If you wish to report to police you can do so online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it

You can also phone on 101.

Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.