A DOORMAN who spiked a young woman's drink with a date-rape drug so she would submit to sex has become the first person in the country to be jailed for such an offence, according to the Home Office.

The Northern Echo reported yesterday how Michael Wright was jailed for five years at Newcastle Crown Court for intentionally administering a substance with the intention of stupefying or overpowering the woman to enable himself or another to engage in sexual activity with her.

Wright poured the substance into the victim's drink from a water bottle, saying it was vodka, while working as a doorman in one of the bars in Newcastle's Gate complex.

Shortly afterwards, she collapsed unconscious and was taken to hospital,where she recovered after being given an antidote.

The 36-year-old, from Newcastle, had not been licensed to work as a doorman. He denied the charge but was convicted of the offence after a three-day trial.

The Home Office's victim advisory panel last night said they believed he was the first person in the country to be convicted and sent to prison for administering a "date-rape" drug.

Spokeswoman Tanya Von Ahlefeldt welcomed the sentence and urged courts around the country to use the case as a precedent for any future cases.

Ms Ahlefeldt said: "It is totally appropriate that he should have got a sentence like this. It is the intent involved that is most significant. I have never heard of a conviction without an attack, so this is totally welcomed."