A rapist has been jailed for 16 years after going to a woman’s home and sexually assaulting her when she was asleep.

Andrew Herringshaw, 48, of Silchester Road, St Leonards, went to his 44-year-old victim’s home in St Leonards where they had some drinks before she fell asleep.

He then raped and sexually assaulted her.

Herringshaw had denied two counts of rape and three of sexual assault all on the same woman that he knew committed in June 2012, March and May 2013.

But he was found guilty of four charges on Monday following a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

He was also given a restraining order not to contact the victim.

After the case Detective Constable Mark Waughman said: "Herringshaw has been given a lengthy custodial sentence which we are satisfied with.

“I would like to praise the victim for coming forward and reporting this to us.

“We investigate all reports of rape and sexual assault and this sentence sends out a message that these offences will not be tolerated."