Man jailed for attempted rape after victim traces him on Facebook

A 22-year-old man has been jailed for seven years for attempted rape after his victim tracked him down on Facebook.

James Huggett, formerly of The Broadway in Minster, had pleaded not guilty to the offence in April 2014 but was convicted by an earlier court.

Maidstone Crown Court heard that Huggett approached 21-year-old Chanl Purchase while she was waiting to meet a friend in Sheerness High Street at around 12.30am on Sunday, April 13.

He invited her back to his address but when she refused he insisted on accompanying her back to her home.

As they walked he attempted to rape her. The victim screamed for help and Huggett subsequently fled.

After the attack, Ms Purchase, who has waived her right to anonymity, tracked him down via Facebook and informed police.

She told ITV News Meridian how she did it:

You can watch Abigail Bracken's full report by clicking below.