A man has been jailed for ten years for raping a 41-year-old vulnerable woman who was his neighbour.

The 23-year-old who was 21 at the time of the offence was convicted of rape at Chichester Crown Court.

The offence happened on September 29, 2012, in Brighton.

For legal reasons the man has not been named. The court heard how the man, who knew the woman went into her home uninvited while he was under the influence of drink and drugs and raped her.

After the case, Sergeant Lisa Cass said: "Throughout the investigation the victim was supported by officers and staff from the anti-victimisation unit.

“Without the intensive one to one support she received from our specialist case worker and the investigating officer Detective Constable Richard Mackenzie it is highly unlikely that this investigation would have progressed to court.

"The officers worked hard to ensure that she received support from partner agencies throughout the investigation and are continuing to support her whilst she seeks permanent alternative accommodation through the local authority.

"The incident has had a profound effect on her and her family but she was able to provide evidence in court and she is relieved that he has been found guilty of this offence."