Rape victim speaks out to help catch attacker (From Southend Standard)

Brave rape victim speaks out in bid to help police catch attacker

2:44pm Thursday 20th December 2012 in Echo News By Gina Marden

A WOMAN raped by a man who offered to help her get home after a night out has spoken of her ordeal.

The 21-year-old student said her life has been ruined and she is unable to go out after the horrific attack.

She had been on a night out and flagged down a lift from a passing motorist as she waited outside the Owl and Pussycat pub on Clay Hill Road, Basildon.

She got into a silver saloon car with a man who offered to driver her home, but instead he took her to nearby Partridge Green where he raped her.

The woman, who the Echo is referring to as Michelle, said: "This man has ruined my life.

"He took advantage of me that night and I am still reeling from what he forced me to do."

The attack happened after midnight on Tuesday November 20.

The man is described as white, aged in his 30s or 40s, spoke with a foreign accent and had a bulbous nose.

Witnesses can contact detectives at Rayleigh’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or email the incident room at SOIT@essex.pnn.police.uk

*Read the full story and interview with the brave victim in Friday's Echo