A RAPIST who stalked a frail 71-year-old and subjected her to a sickening sex attack has been jailed for life.

The terrified pensioner made a desperate 999 call and begged for help after seeing the gloved hand of Brian Holmes as she peered out of her bedroom door.

He then dragged her into her bedroom where he raped her.

Holmes was branded "an extreme danger to women" by Judge Esmond Faulks as he was led away from Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard how Holmes, 37, who had four previous convictions for indecent assault, carried out the attack at the pensioner's South Tyneside home on March 2.

The court heard how Holmes watched the widow return to her home after enjoying a night out with a friend.

He then tricked his way inside by asking to use the toilet and stole a set of house keys.

Holmes lay in wait until his victim went to bed before sneaking into the house and attacking her.

When two police officers arrived, at 12.45am the house was in darkness and there was no answer at the door.

They kicked the door down after hearing faint whimpering and found Holmes still attacking his victim.

After Holmes, of Fieldway, Jarrow, South Tyneside, pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault, his barrister, David Callam, offered no mitigation.