A man has been jailed in Britain, after being pictured in a screenshot by a woman's boyfriend as she was attacked.

Samuel Fortes (27) attacked the 20-year-old woman in the early hours of June 23rd under a flyover footbridge in Leeds city centre.

She had been on a night out with friends before Fortes followed her.

She walked through the city centre and paused, where she spoke to her boyfriend on the phone via the FaceTime app.

Her boyfriend later took a screenshot, showing Fortes starting his attack by stamping on her.

The image was a key piece of evidence as officers built their case.

During the 15 minute attack, Fortes dragged and carried the victim from a footbridge to under the flyover.

He then physically assaulted and raped her.

She was left with serious facial injuries - including a damaged tooth and extensive swelling to her face and body.

Her handbag, phone and keys were found by three people walking on the footbridge - who then found her and disturbed Fortes who fled on foot.

After the assault, Fortes hid in a bush for an hour before fleeing to his home city of Sheffield.

A forensic examination revealed a single piece of hair which was fast-tracked, and identified Fortes as a key suspect.

Police trawled through hours of CCTV footage, which showed the suspect wandering around prior to the attack.

He was also tracked after the attack heading back to Sheffield on a train.

When he was arrested, the victim's blood was on his shoes.

He admitted rape and wounding with intent at Leeds Crown Court on November 12th, and was given a life sentence with a minimum term of eight years on Thursday April 18th.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman explained the impact the attack had on her.

"I have experienced what I hope to be the lowest point, mentally, in my life", she said.

"There were days, at the beginning of my recovery period, where I could not leave my bed and that is simply because I did not see a point in doing so.

"I laid in the same position for days, questioning what I could have done differently. Questioning why I was the victim and questioning if the hurt I have caused my family was worth walking back.

"I was and still am sickened by the thought that one human could do that to another - I thought I was going to die. It is a feeling that no words could ever describe."

Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Jaz Khan, said: "Fortes subjected this brave woman to a horrific ordeal and I want to praise her for her bravery in helping to bring her brutal attacker to justice.

"She decided to speak out about her ordeal through her statement and then asking for CCTV footage to be released.

"Despite being in fear for her life she bravely fought her attacker and her boyfriend had the foresight to screenshot the incident.

"This was a key piece of evidence along with the DNA hit which helped to bring Fortes to justice. I have spoken personally to her and been amazed by her bravery."

Main image: Samuel Fortes | Image: West Yorkshire Police