A remorseless sex attacker who fled the country during a trial has finally been jailed for carrying out a string of sexual offences on a vulnerable 18-year-old.

Blerim Hajdarmataj, 24, of Sunrise Avenue, Chelmsford, was due to stand trial for attempted rape, sexual assault and serious sexual assault at Chelmsford Crown Court last September.

He fled the country during the case but the trial continued and he was convicted by a jury in his absence.

A European Arrest Warrant was issued and he was eventually found in Kosovo, more than two years after the offence.

Hajdarmataj, a cleaner, was flown back to the UK last Friday and was sentenced to eight years in jail at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

Back in September 2014, Hajdarmataj preyed on a 18-year-old woman from Hornchurch in a Chelmsford bar.

He had bought a drink and her last memory was feeling like the room was spinning.

She had declined his request to go home with him but woke the following day in his bed with scratches, bruises and bite marks on her body and her clothes had been removed.

She then fled and flagged down a passing motorist for help.

Hajdarmataj, who had chased her out of the address, was later arrested.

Essex Police detective inspector Terry Balding said: “Hajdarmataj took advantage of a vulnerable woman in the most horrendous and vile way.

“He has shown no remorse for his actions, which have had a lasting effect on the victim.

“By fleeing the country during his trial, he put her through more fear and pain.

“I would like to thank her for her strength in providing evidence throughout the case. The result is testament to her, investigating officer detective constable Jo Cooper, the National Crime Agency and the police in Kosovo.

“The sentence passed by the court sends a strong message to people fleeing our country on serious charges - we will go to all lengths to bring you back to this country to face justice.”