Andrew Harris, aged 21, launched the violent attack upon a gay man after agreeing to go home with him following a night out drinking in Northampton town centre.

Despite flirting with his victim and going into his bedroom, Harris suddenly turned violent, shouting 'I'm not gay'.

Northampton Crown Court heard Harris met his victim in the taxi queue in Northampton town centre in the early hours of July 10.

After sharing a cab back to Kingsthorpe, Harris agreed to go with the homosexual man, who had been drinking in the same bar as him, to his home to carry on drinking.

Hena Vissian, prosecuting, said: "Once back there, both the defendant and the complainant were chatting and flirting with each other.

"The complainant went into the bedroom as he believed the defendant was attracted to him. He got undressed and into bed while the defendant still had some clothing on."

The court heard Harris then began repeatedly punching him in the face, stating he was not gay, before demanding jewellery and a bank card, while making threats to kill.

Having been given the card and its PIN number, Harris then sexually assaulted his victim, whose identity is protected, while also belittling him.

The victim suffered a fractured finger as Harris stole a ring from his hand, along with his cards, wallet and a neck chain. He was later arrested on his route home, close to The Racecourse.

Harris, of Colwyn Road, The Mounts, Northampton, admitted sexual assault, actual bodily harm and robbery, was jailed and placed on the Sex Offenders' Register until 2019.

Judge Charles Wide QC said: "This is a serious matter indeed. In November 2007 you were dealt with at Norwich Crown Court for two robbery offences and were sentenced to 21 months at a young offenders' institution. That makes a difference to the sentence. It makes the situation far worse for you.

"There are a number of aggravating features here, apart from your previous convictions for robbery.

"You attacked the complainant in his own home, there was sexual humiliation as well as violence and considerable injuries were caused."

Rosa Dean, mitigating, said the attack was caused when Harris lost his temper for which he has since expressed "genuine remorse".

She added: "He has now been disowned by his family for his criminal behaviour. This was bad and he knows that and that's why he came to court and pleaded guilty today."