A SEX attacker who dragged a woman off a Hampshire path into some bushes while wearing a “terrifying” Hallowe’en mask will be detained in a secure hospital indefinitely.

Robert Rouse dragged a 38- year-old woman off a path in Fareham while wielding a Stanley knife last November.

The victim managed to fight him off and tore off his mask – similar to the one from the Friday the 13th horror films – which she later handed in to the police, who found his DNA inside.

The 24-year-old appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court in June where he was found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm with intent to commit a sexual offence. He was also convicted of being in possession of a knife.

Rouse, of Wykeham Field, Wickham, had previously been found guilty of indecent assault and two counts of battery for similar attacks ten years ago, including an incident in February 2003 where he attacked a woman walking with her two children.

He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court yesterday. The court heard he had serious learning and speaking disabilities that meant he “posed a significant risk of serious harm to the public”.

Forensic psychiatrist Catherine Sherwin told the court: “There appears to be a pattern of behaviour and there appears to have been an escalation with further use of violence and weapons.

“In my opinion he poses a serious risk to others.”

Rouse was given a hospital order with a restriction order, meaning he will be treated at Kneesworth House, Hertfordshire, until he is deemed fit to be released.