A SEX attacker who stalked his victim from a Metro train has been jailed for six years.

Richard Hazell pounced after he spotted the woman on a train travelling from St James towards North Tyneside.

Newcastle Crown Court was told how the 23-year-old told his terrified victim that he had never had sex, despite going out with girls before.

He said he would rape her and told her he would kill her if she did not do what he said, the court heard.

The attack, which happened near West Monkseaton Metro station, was brought to an end when a passer-by scared Hazell off before following him until the police arrived.

Hazell, of Mill Dam, South Shields, South Tyneside, denied indecent assault, false imprisonment and making threats to kill.

But after less than an hour of deliberation the jury found him guilty of all charges.

After the verdicts, Hazell, who suffers from a form of autism, left the dock and could be heard screaming: "I didn't do anything".

But Judge John Lodge said he was satisfied that a longer than normal sentence was appropriate.

He said he was concerned that Hazell had an unhealthy obsession with pornography and despite his disability, was in full control of his actions.

A psychiatric report indicated there was no prospect of treating or changing his personality.

The court heard how Hazell suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism which can cause problems with communication in its sufferers.

Defence barrister Glen Gatland said: "He is obviously a young man with problems and the sad fact is they are problems which cannot be addressed by any sensible form of medication or treatment."