A “dangerous” man cut a woman’s clothes to rape her while she slept.

Nathan Ackerley, 28, took the woman, in her twenties, to his house in School, Road, Hastings.

During the attack she woke up and managed to escape.

She found her clothes had been cut and went directly to a police station to report the crime.

While she was supported by specialist officers, Ackerley was found and arrested on suspicion of rape.

A search of his phone found he had taken pictures of the woman while she was asleep.

He was subsequently charged with rape, sexual assault by touching, sexual assault by penetration and voyeurism.

On July 19, he was convicted of all charges and on July 22 he was sentenced to ten years imprisonment with a minimum period of two thirds. The offences happened in October 2021.

READ MORE: Teen charged with rape and sexual assaults of teenage girls and woman

Ackerley was also given a restraining order and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Nathan Ackerley has been jailed for raping a vulnerable woman in her twentiesNathan Ackerley has been jailed for raping a vulnerable woman in her twenties (Image: Sussex Police)

Following sentencing, the woman gave a statement.

She said: “I would like to thank Sussex Police for their continued support and I hope other victims feel they can come forward. My aim was to prevent this happening to someone else in future, and hopefully we have achieved this.”

Detective Sergeant Ella Cook said: “The victim in this investigation showed incredible bravery to report this horrific ordeal to the police and support this process through to its conclusion.

“She has been clear that her intention was so stop this happening to someone else and, thanks to her, a dangerous man is behind bars where he can cause no further harm to the public.

“I would like to thank this courageous young woman and all involved in this investigation for their support and outstanding work.

“We take all reports of sexual offending extremely seriously and are committed to ensuring victims are supported while we do all we can to hold perpetrators to account.

“If you are a victim, please report it to police online, via 101 or by dialling 999 in an emergency."