A 22-year-old Worcester man has been jailed for six years after he pleaded guilty to rape.

Barry Finch, of Drake Avenue, became obsessed with his vulnerable victim, Worcester Crown Court heard.

He pleaded guilty to six specimen counts of rape between August, 2014, and January this year and the court heard the offences had had a profound effect in his victim's mental health.

Christopher Smyth (CORRECT) prosecuting, said Finch had sex with the victim even though she told him she did not consent. She asked him how he could find any pleasure in it knowing it caused her discomfort, Mr Smyth said.

She had tried on a number of occasions to take her own life and had been on medication for mental health issues because of the offences, he told the court.

Barry Newton, defending, handed in a number of personal references to the court along with a pre sentence report and a psychiatric report.

He said Finch had also made attempts to commit suicide after he accepted what he had done was wrong and realised the effect it had had.

He said Finch had become very introverted and his family had concerns about his mental health.

"He still struggles to appreciate the magnitude of what he has done,"

Mr Newton said. "He has ruined his young life. He can't explain how he came to commit the offences."

Judge Andrew Lockhart, QC, said Finch forced himself upon his victim.

He said to Finch the victim made it clear she was not consenting but such was his sexual desire he carried on.

He said Finch was described in the references as a kind -hearted and good natured man who carried out voluntary work but the offences had caused "immense damage" to his victim and she had needed treatment for mental health issues.

He was jailed for a total of six years and will have to register as a sex offender for life.