A student from Bradford was starting a five-year jail sentence today for trying to rape another university student.

A Court heard how the 19-year-old woman was attacked on October 7 last year. She had only arrived at Essex university a short time before and was out during fresher’s week when she was assaulted.

Soban Bin Ikram, of Leeds Road, Bradford, had denied two charges of attempted rape, but was convicted after a trial in September. Yesterday’s sentencing had been adjourned for reports.

The 22-year-old was jailed for a total of five years and put on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

He was told by a Chelmsford Crown Court judge it had been an “ugly and unpleasant” assault.

Judge David Turner QC added: “It is difficult to think of a more ghastly start to this young student’s time at university. It will haunt her for some time to come.”

Ikram’s barrister, Jamail Hashem, told the court Ikram was planning an appeal against his conviction.

The trial heard how the teenager had gone to a club at the university with friends and at one point was dancing with Ikram.

The two of them left the club and Samantha Leigh, prosecuting, said Ikram pushed the woman to the ground as they made their way back towards her flat.

He tried to rape her, but she managed to get away.

Forensic tests later revealed Ikram’s DNA on the woman’s tights.

Ikram told the jury there had been no attempt to rape the woman.

He said he had pushed her before they both went their separate ways.