A RAPIST who kept a teenager prisoner before subjecting her to a humiliating sex attack has been jailed for a minimum of four years.

Michael Wheeler, 23, gave the teenager a knife and forced her to cut up her clothes, before raping her twice as he kept her captive for 24 hours at a house in Southend in November.

The court heard he already had a caution on his record for a sexual assault in 2006, which had similar characteristics.

Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, said the attack had a “profound effect” on the teenager, who is now 18. He said she had lost a dangerous amount of weight and been left suffering from panic attacks.

He added: “This was rape with a number of aggravating features. It involved detention, so that a sustained attack could take place.”

Diana Pigot, mitigating, said Wheeler had the support of his family and girlfriend, who had sat in court to support him throughout the trial.

She said Wheeler’s addiction to cocaine had played a part in his offending along with an inability to control his temper.

She said he has signed up for anger management and drug rehabilitation courses to address those issues.

Miss Pigot said he had attempted to commit suicide before the trial and was now taking medication for depression.

She added said: “In all the circumstances, I would ask for the lowest sentence possible.”

Judge John Lodge, sentencing, told Wheeler: “You are a controlling man who seeks to demean women by using sexual violence when you are spurned by them.”

Wheeler, of Whitegate Road, Southend, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one of false imprisonment, and one of criminal damage, following a two-week trial at Basildon Crown Court.

He was jailed for a minimum of four years after which he will be released on licence for ten years.

He was also ordered to enrol in a sex offenders’ programme.

Det Con Paula Slade, officer in the case, said she hoped the sentence would encourage other rape victims to come forward in the knowledge their attackers will be “dealt with thoroughly and robustly”.

She added: “Clearly in cases of this nature, the effects are felt not only by the immediate parties, but by their extended families and friends. We hope the victim can now try to look to the future and move on with her life.

“It was a difficult case and I would like to thank all the witnesses for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence.”