A man has been jailed for the rape of a teenage girl in East Sussex.
William Hobden forced himself upon the girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, without her consent, back in August 2020.
He later sent her warning messages on her mobile phone.
The victim received support from specially-trained officers, and a report was made to the police.
Following the collection of DNA evidence, the 29-year-old was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity contrary to Section 27 of the Sexual Offences Act.
Hobden, a road worker formerly of Queens Road, East Grinstead, denied the charges and stood trial at Lewes Crown Court in February this year.
He was found guilty, and on May 2 he was sentenced to a total of seven years in prison.
The court also imposed a restraining order and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict Hobden’s access to children after he is released.
Detective Sergeant Ellen Jones said:
“We are pleased that we have been able to get justice for the victim in this case.
“Hobden betrayed her trust, and carried out this appalling abuse.
“But his victim showed courage to report her experience to the police.”
Victims of rape and serious sexual offences can find out how Sussex Police investigates their case online here.
Further information about support available to victims is online here.
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