(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
A MAN has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for multiple counts of rape.
Stephen Degnan, 47, from Heckmondwike, was convicted by a jury in June of five counts of rape against a woman in the Kirklees area.
He was sentenced on Monday at Leeds Crown Court.
Detective Constable Isaac Taylor of Kirklees District Police said: "We welcome the sentence imposed by the court on Degnan for what were appalling sexual offences, as reflected in the sentence imposed by the court today.
"The survivor in this case has shown real courage in coming forward and supporting both the police and CPS in bringing this prosecution and then through the trial process.
"I hope she can take some comfort in seeing Degnan sentenced for this appalling offending."
DC Taylor encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward.
He said: "We continue to encourage victims of sexual offending to come forwards and contact us, no matter when the abuse took place.
"Specialist safeguarding detectives investigate all reports and can also direct victims to any support services they may need."
Degnan was also handed a restraining order.