A man who choked a vulnerable woman moments before raping her in woodland has been jailed for six years.

James Weir, 40, preyed on the female, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at land in Larkhall on August 17 2020.

The High Court in Lanark heard how Weir forced his victim onto the ground before compelling her to take off her clothes. He also placed his hands on her throat and compressed it before raping her.

Weir, of Wishaw, was found guilty of rape following a trial last month. Judge Lord Summers deferred sentence in order to obtain a report on his background. The accused was remanded in custody.

On Tuesday, Weir’s case called again at the High Court in Edinburgh where he observed proceedings via video link from prison.

Defence advocate Iain Smith asked Lord Summers to be as lenient as he could in the circumstances.

He added: “I invite your lordship to impose a sentence which is appropriate for the offence.”

Passing sentence, Lord Summers told Weir: “I have heard all that has been said in mitigation by Mr Smith and I have taken it all into account.

“However, you have been convicted of a very serious offence. I have taken account of the vulnerability of your victim and I have decided that a sentence of six years is the most appropriate sentence.”