A ‘VIOLENT’ sex attacker who pinned his victim against a wall and mentioned rape is facing a stretch behind bars.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Francis Martin Smedley, 39, held the woman by the face with both hands.

He then backed her into a corner during her ordeal on January 20. Smedley, who had seen his victim earlier in the day, was said to have kissed and squeezed her.

He then asked her: "Am I that ugly?"

Smedley was due to be sentenced yesterday but the case was adjourned when the court heard he had not been interviewed for a pre-sentence report by the probation service.

The defendant, of Whalley Road, Clayton-le-Moors, had earlier pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

The hearing was told he admitted using the word rape to the woman he attacked. Smedley was remanded in custody until September 5.

Judge Beverley Lunt, who said his actions had been violent, warned the defendant if there was no report, she would sentence him without it.

She added that without the report she would make her own assessment as to whether he was a dangerous offender and sentence accordingly.