A FORMER soldier has been locked up for the attempted rape of a woman while she was sleeping.

Matthew Pill attempted to commit the heinous act while intoxicated, and he initially denied any wrongdoing.

However, he later changed his plea to guilty, but he was told that any credit for this would not prevent him from going to prison immediately.

The 25-year-old was charged with attempted rape and appeared to be sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday, April 28.

The court heard from prosecutor Matthew Dunford how the incident unfolded in the spring of 2021 in Runcorn.

The charge states that Pill, a former private for the British Army, intentionally attempted to rape the victim, who did not consent.

The victim was woken while sleeping to find the victim in bed with her attempting to rape her.

She told the defendant to stop but he refused, before he fled the scene. She later informed the police what had happened.

Pill was interviewed by Cheshire Police but denied committing the offence.

He was subsequently charged with attempted rape and initially pleaded not guilty, before changing his plea shortly before his trial was due to begin.

During the sentencing hearing, the court heard a statement from the victim which set out the impact the incident has had on her.

Before sentencing, judge Steven Everett stated that immediate prison was inevitable for such an offence.

Pill, of Eccleston Drive in Runcorn, was sentenced to 50 months in prison.

He must also abide by sex offender registration and notification requirements for an indefinite period.

In addition, the court approved a restraining order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim until such a further order is made.

He must also pay a statutory victim surcharge of £190 on his release from prison.