A MAN has been sentenced to more than two years behind bars after sexually assaulting a woman at his home almost eight years ago.

Robert Brown-Percival, of Colonnade Gardens, Eastbourne, was given a 28-month sentence at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 50-year-old, who is unemployed, admitted at a previous hearing to the sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman when she visited his flat in Eriswell Road, Worthing, in July 2014.

Brown-Percival will also be a registered sex offender for ten years.

Detective Constable Andy Roe of the West Sussex safeguarding investigations unit said: "Brown-Percival had got to know the victim as they were both working at the same place in Worthing.

“That night a group of friends had gone back to his flat after a meal and he took advantage of the victim's vulnerability to assault her while she was asleep, for his own gratification.

"The incident was reported to us in the following month but by that time Brown-Percival had left his address and disappeared, and was not tracked down until three years later, living in Eastbourne.

"However, the victim is grateful that he has now faced justice. We will always try to ensure that such offenders are brought before the courts.”

For information on reporting sexual offences and the support available, see the Sussex Police website.

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