A RAPIST who left a woman in a month-long coma after an attack in Flimby has been told he will go to prison for “many years.”

David McKeown raped the woman on the village’s rugby field, in March this year, stamped on her and beat her so badly, she was unrecognisable.

Judge Paul Batty, at Carlisle Crown Court, told the 23-year-old that the attack was the “gravest of crimes” he had ever seen and told him he faced a long prison sentence. McKeown pleaded guilty to two charges of raping her and one of causing her grievous bodily harm with intent.

Judge Batty said: “You must understand that the sentence I will impose upon you will be measured in many many years.”

The victim was attacked on the West Lane rugby pitch in and was discovered lying unconscious by a member of the public.

She was initially taken to The West Cumberland Hospital, but her injuries were so serious that she was transferred to Newcastle General Hospital, soon afterwards.

She suffered serious head injuries and was on a life support machine.

The judge remanded McKeown in custody for background reports and for reports on how badly the woman and her family have been affected.

He also called for a psychological assessment to report on how big a danger McKeown poses to other women. McKeown will be sentenced on July 29.