That's life - judge warns double rapist

Preston Crown Court heard that Andrew Price was released from prison less than three months before he attacked a 15-year-old girl in the street.

The 21-year-old scrap metal worker was convicted on an 11-1 majority verdict of raping the teenager in the White Lund area of Morecambe last April.

A Preston Crown Court trial heard how the girl had been using a public telephone box one evening when she became aware of Price asking to use the telephone.

She finished her call and started walking home when she felt an arm around her face and was dragged across the road.

The defendant, from White Lund Road, produced a knife and threatened to kill her if she screamed further or tried to get away.

She was manhandled to a secluded spot and then raped.

In his evidence to the jury, Price maintained that the girl had consented to sex. He claimed they had struck up a conversation while he was walking past her.

"I asked her her name. She gave it and asked me what my name was," said Price.

The subject of boyfriends and girlfriends was discussed and he said the girl said she goes with different boys.

He said: "After a bit we both started walking along the road. We were both kissing each other. It got stronger."

Following the jury's verdict it was revealed that in August 2001 he had been given four years youth custody for raping an 18-year-old girl during the previous April.

That victim was grabbed as she walked through a playing field and forced to the ground. Price had pleaded guilty to that offence.

Price, who is on the sex offenders' register for life, was released on licence in January, less than three months before he re-offended.

Judge Edward Slinger told the court: "This man is clearly a danger to young women."

He told Price he faces a mandatory life term, but before sentencing he wants back-ground and medical reports on Price. The case was adjourned until December 10.