A "MERCILESS" teenage serial sex offender, who was branded a grave danger to women, raped a young mother while he was on bail for an earlier attack, a court heard.

Michael Hudson, of George Street, Shildon, County Durham, beat his 32-year-old victim so badly she feared she was going to die.

Days later, he was due to appear at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for indecently assaulting a 31-year-old woman. The court - unaware of the rape attack - decided to show mercy and gave him community service instead of a prison sentence.

But Hudson went on to commit a string of offences including having sex with a girl of 13, assaulting a 14-year-old, carrying a carving knife and escaping police custody.

Yesterday, Hudson's reign of terror came to an end after he pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to rape and assault. The youth, who is now 17, was ordered to be detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

And as he started his sentence, his victims asked how he was freed to strike again.

His last victim fought back tears as she said: "He has finally got what he deserved."

Rod Hunt, defending, said he was of limited intelligence.

Hudson, who had been ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register in October, must serve six years before he can be considered for parole.

Judge Peter Fox, who said he was a grave danger to women, lifted an order banning his identity after representation by The Northern Echo.

Detective Sergeant Jim Cunningham, of Durham Police, said: "It was a horrific rape. Hopefully, he will be out of circulation for such a long time that women will feel safe."

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