A "DANGEROUS" sex fiend who tried to rape a schoolgirl in an alleyway before she bravely wrestled free has been jailed Ewing Gilmour, 21, approached the 13-year-old girl in Chichester, West Sussex, on the morning of Wednesday May 29 last year.

He spoke to her before pouncing in an alleyway and sexually assaulting her.

But the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, broke free and ran away before alerting the police.

An image of Gilmour was shared on social media before he was identified, arrested and charged with the attempted rape of a child.

Gilmour, of Selsey, West Sussex, denied the offence, but was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment with an extended term of three years after being found guilty by a jury at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Sentencing Gilmour, the Judge condemned him for his "brazen and determined attempt to rape a vulnerable victim who was 13".

Investigating officer Steve Holden, of Sussex Police, said: "This was an attempt at a serious sexual assault and it was due to the bravery of the victim at the time, that prevented a worse outcome.

"The victim has remained strong throughout the legal process, and I would like to thank her for that."

He added: "In addition, I'd like to thank all the members of the public who provided CCTV and other information at the time and during our investigation.

"With their support, a dangerous offender - who has shown no remorse for his actions - has been identified and imprisoned."