A FIREFIGHTER dubbed the Beast of Bath has been jailed for nine years after a string of sexual assaults on women.

Adrian Warburton, 38, of The Halve, Trowbridge, carried out the attacks in Bath between October 2004 and July 2005, sparking months of fear and terror among women in the city. The married father-of-two, who worked at Trowbridge fire station, pleaded guilty to six charges of sexual assault and three of assault by penetration on nine women aged between 16 and 44.

Bristol Crown Court heard on Friday Warburton would often wear a balaclava and follow his victims before attacking them from behind. Sentencing Warburton to nine years, with a further six on licence, Judge Julian Lambert said: "You terrorised lone women in the city of Bath in a series of sexual attacks.

"You perpetrated a campaign of sexual assaults against women. I find this was planned and sustained abuse which in several instances was of the utmost seriousness."

Warburton was arrested in October after police noticed him acting suspiciously in Bath as part of an extensive investigation called Operation Edge. He denied any involvement but was found the next day in his home having tried to commit suicide.

Police found him lying in a bath of bloody water with cuts to his neck and wrist and three knives lying next to him. A notebook was also found, which read: "I was arrested yesterday for sexual assaults. I denied it yesterday but it was me. I've done some terrible things." The court also heard hard-core pornographic websites depicting rape and sexual fantasies had been found on Warburton's computer as well as videos where he had filmed women through their windows.

Prosecuting, Sian Sullivan said Warburton would cycle or drive his wife's car to Bath where he would pick out vulnerable females walking alone late at night. She said: "In interview he said he had no idea why he committed these offences. He said he was aware of a change in his behaviour and tried to control it but couldn't stop it."

One of his victims, in her 30s, who now lives in Kent, was attacked on February 5 as she made her way home after a night out. She said: "Warburton approached me from behind and I was sexually assaulted. It was a traumatic experience and one that I will never forget. He was silent throughout the attack, which I found particularly frightening. The attack had a huge impact on my life, but I now have a sense of relief that he has been punished for his actions."

Speaking after the hearing DI Guy Turner, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "Bath is a lot safer now he will be behind bars for a considerable amount of time. "I believe Warburton is a dangerous man and there is no doubt in my mind that further offences would have been committed if we had not arrested him.

"Women in Bath were living in fear of another attack and some victims are still scared to come to the city." Warburton was sacked from Wiltshire Fire Brigade after a disciplinary meeting on January 19. Chief Fire Officer Andy Goves said: "This has been a very difficult time for my staff and all of those affected by what has happened."