A RAPIST who launched a “hideous” attack on a young woman at a railway station has been jailed.

Callum Fife, 26, was “out of control” when he committed the crime at Three Bridges station.

He bombarded the 17-year-old girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, with inappropriate comments.

“If I was 17, I would be all over you,” he said.

Fife showed her his electronic tagging device on his ankle, which he was given after a previous conviction.

He offered her cannabis and a cigarette lighter, then tried to kiss her.

She asked him to stop, but he continued.

Fife forced her to perform a sex act on him when they were alone, before eventually stopping when he was interrupted.

After a trial, Fife was found guilty of rape, and at Hove Crown Court this week he was jailed for four years.

Judge David Rennie was told that Fife, who has previous convictions, suffers from a “severe” form of Asperger’s syndrome.

He told Fife the sentence would have been seven years, but he had reduced it because of his autism.

But he said Fife passed the test for “dangerousness” because of a previous conviction for outraging public decency in Brighton, where he was found exposing himself and thrusting towards a woman who was sitting in the Old Steine.

Judge Rennie said: “These convictions create a disturbing pattern of uncontrolled sexual offending.”

Rowan Jenkins, prosecuting, told the jury that the incident happened late at night at Three Bridges on July 6.

The girl was returning home from visiting a friend’s home, and ended up alone with Fife on a bench.

She told officers: “He was slurring his words and started stumbling over things. He made me nervous.

“He asked me how old I was, and then said ‘if I was 17, I would be all over you’. I told him I had a boyfriend.

“It was horrible, he was a lot stronger than me and there weren’t a lot of people around. I was so scared.”

Rupert Hallowes, defending, said Fife has been bullied for his condition at school and has faced difficulties getting help and support.

He said experts had concluded that for Fife it was “nigh on impossible for him to function as an autonomous adult without help”.

Mr Hallowes said Fife had believed the victim was consenting.

Judge Rennie said: “Any belief you may have had was unreasonable.

“You chose to put her through the ordeal of a criminal trial, and she had to relive a highly traumatic ordeal in public.

“It clearly exacerbated her trauma, she has suffered at your hands.

“Because of your condition your abilities are severely compromised about how to cope with life in general, and how to relate to other people.

“It is highly unlikely you will be able to observe the expected social norms, that will lead to you misreading a situation when a woman tells you to stop.

“You didn’t feel able to manage your sexual behaviour.

“You are a high risk of serious harm to women.”

Fife, of Stane Street Close, Pulborough, was jailed for four years and must serve at least three years before being considered for release.

After the case, Detective Constable Jason Montana said: “I would like to thank the victim for her courage in coming forward and supporting our efforts to bring Fife to justice.

“This was a hideous crime committed by a dangerous individual, and I hope the victim will be able to take some small comfort in the knowledge he is now behind bars.

“I also hope this sends a very clear message to everyone that we will do everything in our power to prosecute sex offenders.”