A “dangerous paedophile” pretended to be a teenager online to rape a girl.
Oliver James contacted the victim on Snapchat and convinced her to meet him in Newhaven.
He claimed to be aged 16, then later told the girl he was 19, he was in fact 29-years-old.
The victim had agreed to meet James in woodland near Station Road, Denton, at approximately 7am on May 3.
She told James she did not want to have sex with him.
But he forced himself on her and raped her, before leaving the area.
The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, confided in a friend and her mother before reporting the matter to the police.
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James, formerly of Marine Drive, Bishopstone, was arrested then charged. He has been on remand since that time.
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.
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."
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