A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of the rape of a woman on Brighton beach.
Przemyslaw Pogorzzelec forced himself upon the woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The incident happened in the early hours on the beach, but was seen by witnesses.
They were approached by members of the Beach Patrol and security, where she told them she had not consented.
Pogorzzelec was then detained and arrested by officers.
The 43-year-old claimed he had chatted with the young woman and claimed he had consensual sex with her.
But when questioned by officers he could not remember her name, age, or anything about her.
Witnesses said she was not able to give consent.
She was given support by specially-trained officers throughout the investigation.
At Lewes Crown Court on May 2, Pogorzzelec, a builder of no fixed address but formerly of an address in Hove, was found guilty of rape, and of sexual assault by penetration.
He was jailed for a total of 12 years, and an extended licence period of three years was also imposed.
The court was told how the incident happened at 2am on July 31 last year.
Pogorzzelec had forced himself on the woman, and had taken intimate photographs of her on his mobile phone.
He was interrupted by the Beach Patrol and security from nearby venues.
Despite denying the offence, he was convicted by the jury after a trial in January.
At his sentencing hearing, it was revealed how Pogorzzelec was convicted in 2013 for exposure, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act.
Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Ciara Richardson said:
“The victim received support from our officers, and showed great courage to give evidence in the trial.
“This was a fast moving investigation where we gathered witness statements and footage which showed how Pogorzzelec had preyed on the young woman when she was alone on the beach.
“We are pleased that a dangerous offender is now in prison for these offences.”
Victims of rape and serious sexual assault can find out more about how we investigate the cases online here.
Meanwhile more information about the support available for victims of these offences is online here.
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