A WOMAN from who was raped by predatory St Helens sex offender Anthony Carrington has bravely spoken out about her horrific ordeal.

The 28-year-old mother-of-two from Leigh, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told how she thought she was getting in a taxi when Carrington's car pulled up outside her aunt's house.

She also broke down in tears at the thought that - had the police not intervened - her children could have been left without a mother.

She said: "I hadn't seen my auntie for ages so I went round for a drink.

"After ringing for a taxi I waited outside for the car to arrive.

"When a car pulled up I got inside. In my mind I was getting in the taxi I'd ordered. I don't remember anything about the incident itself, but the next thing I knew I was in a police car, partially clothed, and the sirens were blazing.

"I'd had more than just a few drinks that night and don't remember anything about the police intervening, but I'm very grateful for what they did. If it wasn't for them I don't know what would have happened - I might not have even been here today.

"I'd like to see the officers that helped me to say a big "thank you".

Words can't say how grateful I am to them - I owe them everything.

"I'd also like to advise other women to be very careful when they're out clubbing or drinking at someone's house. You should always stick together when you're out drinking and should have someone with you until you get in a taxi."

She added: "Carrington knocks me sick. I was shocked when I found out how old he was - I thought he must only have been about 20 or 30. He's a very dangerous man. If I had my way he'd get the electric chair.

"The fayre had been on that night and he must have been out trying to prey on any young girl he could find. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"It was awful at first because all that kept going through my head was 'what if the police hadn't been there'? I could have been dead and left my kids behind. That's the hardest thought for me.

"It affected me really badly at first - I was having panic attacks just walking to school and couldn't go out on my own. I'm starting to come to terms with it now but I don't think it's something I'll ever fully get over."

After giving evidence during the trial via video-link, the victim, from Leigh, also told of her determination to come face-to-face with Carrington for the sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court.

She added: "I need to get some sort of closure at the sentencing. But, compared to what I've been through this year, coming face-to-face with him in court is the easy part."