A SEX attacker who left his trousers at the scene of his crime was collared when he went to a police station to see if they had been handed in.

After trying to rape the 16-year-old, Jordan Johnson, 21, turned up at the home where he lived with his wife wearing just his T-shirt and socks.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he also left his house keys, cash and debit cards in the area - so turned up at the police station the following day.

Johnson, who was studying English at Northumbria University, had also left a backpack containing his copy of Canterbury Tales.

Tim Parkin, prosecuting, told the court yesterday how Johnson had bumped into the teenage stranger as they were both walking home in Sunderland in the early hours of November 12 last year.

As they approached a back lane near the city centre, Johnson tried to kiss the teenager, who ended up on the ground.

Johnson then indecently assaulted and tried to rape the girl before she managed to get up and run.

The attacker chased the sobbing teenager and pinned her against a wall, but she managed to flee a second time and contact police.

The court heard how Johnson, of Thornhill Gardens, Sunderland, told police in interview he had been extremely drunk and had no recollection of the attack.

Johnson, who pleaded guilty to attempted rape and indecent assault during an earlier court hearing, was jailed for three years.

The court heard how the victim of the attack, who was studying for A-levels, has been left suffering nightmares.

Defence barrister John Evans said Johnson, who has no previous convictions, has a desire to rid himself of his alcohol problem.

Mr Evans said Johnson is outraged by his behaviour that night and realises he has thrown pretty much everything away.

He said: "He has expressed very evident, genuine remorse."

Judge Esmond Faulks told Johnson he should seek help from alcoholics anonymous, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life.

He added: "In the back lane, you put her to the ground and attempted to rape her despite her objections.

"She must have been extremely frightened of what was going to happen next."