A man raped a teenager and suffocated her with a pillow.

Randy Tirbanie’s 16-year-old victim has been praised for her bravery for reporting the attack which happened on February 16 at an address in St Leonards.

The girl, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been supported by specially trained officers, as well as her family.

The attack was reported to police shortly after it happened and Tirbanie was arrested on the day. He was later charged with two counts of rape and one count of suffocation.

Following a five-day trial at Lewes Crown Court he was found guilty on all three counts.

Read more: Murderer, paedophiles and thugs among criminals jailed in September

The 43-year-old, of St Matthews Road, St Leonards, was sentenced to 12 years and six months’ imprisonment when he appeared before Lewes Crown Court on September 27.

DC Sally Coleman said: “Tirbanie breached the trust of his victim and carried out appalling crimes which will impact her for life.

“We are safeguarding the victim who showed huge amounts of bravery to help get Tirbanie convicted for the trauma and distress he caused.

“Sussex Police take all reports of rape and sexual assault seriously and encourage victims to report any incidents to police.

“You will be heard, we will support you and we will do everything we can to bring perpetrators to justice.”