A man who sexually attacked a woman tried to defend himself by saying she had only dreamed the incident.

Justin Saliba, 50, was called “grotesque” by a judge, who said his actions caused lasting harm to his victim, according to Wales Online.

The attack happened in 2021 at Saliba’s apartment in Cardiff, the court was told.

The victim, who had been drinking alcohol and taking cannabis and prescription drugs, fell asleep and later woke up to find Saliba sexually assaulting and raping her.

The assault ended when the victim’s phone rang, allowing her to get away. She immediately informed her family, who contacted the police.

After his arrest, Saliba denied everything, insisting the victim had mixed up a dream with reality.

Saliba, from Cheam Place, Llanishen, Cardiff, had previous convictions for sexual assault and rape, as well as eight other convictions covering 25 crimes, though none were sexual in nature.

The victim said in a statement read by the prosecutor that the attack would haunt her forever and she would never fully recover.

Saliba’s lawyer, Kathryn Lane, argued he had a compassionate side and was a caring family man.

However, Judge Eugene Egan said Saliba had deliberately targeted his victim, knowing she was vulnerable at the time.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison, with two-thirds to be served in custody and the remainder on license in the community. Saliba will also remain on the sex offender register for life.