A JUDGE condemned the “lads on the pull” culture as he jailed a man for five-and-a-half years for raping a woman on a drink and drug-fuelled night out.

David Matthews attacked the 19-year-old at a friend’s home after she went to bed after a meeting in Middlesbrough last March.

Matthews, 27, stripped off and climbed into bed next to her and, despite being repeatedly told no by the teenager, said: “Go on, you’ll love it.”

Teesside Crown Court heard that Matthews had drunk alcohol and taken cocaine. His barrister described the rape as opportunistic.

Judge Peter Bowers said: “I hope this is a lesson to you and to all other young men out on the pull and find girls who are willing to come back to the flat.

“Just because you fancy sex does not mean the young woman you fancy is a willing participant in your drunken intentions.

“Here you are, having sex with a woman whose name you did not even remember just for the sheer five minutes of pleasure which has given her a year and more of misery.”

The victim, who is receiving counselling, gave evidence during a trial in March after which Matthews, of Rochdale Crescent, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of rape and assault by penetration.

His barrister, Victoria Lamballe, said yesterday he continues to protest his innocence.

She said: “He did not set out that evening with the intention of committing any offence of this type. It was opportunistic.

“Had it not been for the rather lethal mix of vast amounts of alcohol and the taking of cocaine, he would not have found himself before this court. He has worked hard since he left school ten years ago. The prospect of gaining significant employment in the future is clearly going to be hampered by this.”

Judge Bowers told Matthews: “It is the most horrific and traumatic offence for a young woman to have to endure. They live with the consequences after you have got over the pleasure of a few minutes of enjoyment.”