A man who raped a woman while she was sleeping in Leatherhead has been jailed.

Jay Wilkins, 27, from Dorking, was sentenced to five years behind bars on Thursday (November 11) after he was found guilty and convicted at Guildford Crown Court.

The heinous crime happened in Leatherhead on the night of June 20, 2018.

The court heard how the victim, who had been asleep, woke up "to find with her underwear and leggings pulled down, and Wilkins raping her with his hand around her throat".

She left the address shortly afterwards and reported the incident to police. Wilkins was arrested later that morning before being released under investigation.

The Dorking man was later arrested by London's Metropolitan Police in July for a racially aggravated public order and assaulting a police officer.

Detective Inspector Paddy Mayers, who led the investigation into the case, said: "Firstly I would like to acknowledge the courage shown by the victim in coming forward and giving evidence in court. She has been through a truly horrific ordeal and I hope that the fact that Wilkins is now in prison will help her to come to terms with what has happened and now be able to leave this terrible ordeal behind her. I really appreciate the fact that the jury was able to see through Wilkins' lies."

He added: "The sentence given today was the result of months of hard work by a team of determined and tenacious officers who refused to give up until the offender was brought to justice.

"I hope that this sends a clear message to those who offend against women that their actions could end up with them being imprisoned. And a message to any victim of sexual assault – your allegations will be taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated. You will also be provided with specialist support."