A man raped, strangled and threatened to kill a woman on a country lane near the NDR in a terrifying daylight attack which has left the victim "broken", a court has heard.

Kenneth Watson had been walking along Smee Lane near Great Plumstead when he attacked the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, raped her and held her neck so she could not breathe before threatening to kill her.

Smee Lane, Great PlumsteadSmee Lane, Great Plumstead (Image: Newsquest) The distressed woman was able to alert two passing dog walkers who called police after she ran to them following her ordeal, which happened on June 7, 2023.

Watson, who was arrested nearby a short while later, was found guilty of rape, intentional strangulation and making threats to kill following an eight-day trial at Norwich Crown Court in August.

Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest) The 53-year-old from Northgate, Lowestoft, was given an extended 15-year sentence, made up of 12 years custody and three years extended licence, when he appeared at court on Tuesday (November 26).

Judge Anthony Bate deemed Watson to be a "dangerous offender" who posed a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public, particularly women.

Kenneth WatsonKenneth Watson (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Before Watson was jailed, the court heard extracts of a statement from the victim who said: "This incident has completely broken me. 

"I’ve had to reach out and accept support from many services, which I find hard to do. 

"But all I can do is put my head down and carry on until hopefully, one day, it will somehow feel better.”

Matthew McNiff, mitigating, said the incident was "not prolonged and lasted but for a few minutes".

He said the defendant was a "long-term addict at the time of the offences".

Detective Constable Helen Walters described Watson as a "dangerous individual".

She said: "I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the trial.

"No sentence will take away the harm Watson has caused her, but I truly hope the verdict on this case is the start of the healing process for her.

"I would also like to thank the witnesses for their bravery and actions on the day of the incident."

Watson was put on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence can call police on 999 in an emergency or report a crime on 101.