Man sentenced for rape of teenage girl in Newhaven

A man who pretended to be a teenager in order to rape a teenage girl has been jailed.

Oliver James, aged 29, contacted the victim on Snapchat and agreed to meet her in Newhaven.

He claimed to be aged 16, then later told the girl he was 19, he was in fact 29.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, reported her experience and has been supported by specially-trained officers.

James appeared for sentencing at Lewes Crown Court on October 29, and was jailed for eight years after admitting the charges of rape and sexual assault.

He has been described as a “dangerous paedophile” and is the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

The court was told how the incident happened on Friday, May 3 this year.

The victim had agreed to meet James in woodland near Station Road, Denton, Newhaven, at approximately 7am.

She told James she did not want to have sex with him.

But he forced himself upon her and committed the rape, before leaving the area.

The victim confided in a friend, and her mother then reported the matter to the police.

James, formerly of Marine Drive, Bishopstone, was arrested then charged. He has been on remand since that time.

Detective Sergeant Nick Green from the Safeguarding Investigation Unit said: “Oliver James pleaded guilty to the rape and sexual assault of a child.

“In May of this year, he convinced the young victim to meet him at Denton Woods, Newhaven, posing as a teenage boy. He then raped her.

“James is a dangerous paedophile and his sentence and lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order reflects the danger he represents.

“My respect and admiration go to the young victim, whose strength and bravery in this case has been incredible.

“My thanks also go to Detective Constable Gemma Taylor for completing a thorough and detailed investigation. She was dedicated and determined to get justice for the victim."

Victims of rape and serious sexual offences can find further support online here.

More information about how Sussex Police investigates reports of rape and serious sexual offences is available online here.