A SEX offender assaulted a woman against a wall down a dark alley while high on alcohol and ecstasy during the early hours of the morning.

Cai Meredith met the woman in Caerphilly town centre where he had been drinking and the two had initially engaged in a consensual sexual act.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how she changed her mind and told him to stop but the defendant carried on.

MORE NEWS: Newport drugs gang jailed for nearly 30 years

She shouted out to her friends for help but Meredith only stopped when his victim stated to scream.

The victim suffered a “nasty and unpleasant injury” and is “struggling to move on with her life”.

The 34-year-old defendant, of Waunfach Street, Caerphilly, was found guilty of assault by penetration by a jury following a trial.

He had denied the offence which took place in November 2019.

Kathryn Lane, mitigating, said: “The defendant has no previous convictions and this was completely out of character for him.

“He has expressed his regret and remorse and he is described ordinarily as a kind and compassionate individual.

“A few moments of this offending has changed his life forever.

READ MORE: Man admits killing ‘loving son’ in city death crash

“The defendant has now stopped drinking and taking recreational drugs.

“This has been a huge wake-up call for him.”

The judge, Recorder Simon Mills, told Meredith: “You had taken MDMA and were still under the influence of it.

“Your consumption of this class A drug played a part in your behaviour.

“You were apologetic to your victim when you realised you had gone too far.

“She suffered significant bruising.

“This incident continues to have consequences for her and this is serious harm that she has suffered.

“She talks about struggling to move on with her life.”

Recorder Mills added: “This took place down a dark alley when she was up against a wall in the corner.

“It started out as consensual but she had a right to withdraw her consent.

“You are an intelligent and creative young man.

“I am sure this was out of character.

“You say you are sorry but you chose to put your victim through a trial.”

Meredith was jailed for two years and four months and ordered to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.

Gwent Police were approached for a custody photograph of the defendant but they said they do not have one of him.