A man from Chichester has been jailed for 15 years after grooming and repeatedly raping a teenage girl.
Mark Rowley, 52, of Anna Sewell Way, Chichester, committed the offences in Brighton and elsewhere in Sussex between 2022 and 2024.
Sussex Police said Rowley began grooming and sexually exploiting the victim when he was 47 and she was 14.
The girl was subjected to repeated rapes and physical and verbal abuse. Police said Rowley would beat her if she refused to comply and made her believe they were in a relationship.
He also repeatedly asked her to take and send him explicit photographs.
Details of the abuse were reported to police on 22 February this year and an investigation was launched.
Rowley was arrested five days later in connection with a number of sexual offences.
He was charged the following morning with rape, engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, and meeting a girl under 16 following grooming.
He was remanded in custody ahead of a trial at Brighton Crown Court, which began on 17 August.
On 21 August, a jury found Rowley guilty of all charges.
He returned to Brighton Crown Court on Monday 14 September, where he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Detective Constable Dan Bentley, who led the investigation, said: "In this case, Mark Rowley saw an opportunity to exploit, manipulate, and use the victim for his own sexual gratification.
"Rowley's actions have had a significant and lasting impact on the victim, who has shown immense courage throughout what has undoubtedly been an extremely difficult and distressing process.
"The victim has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation, and we commend her bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation at every step.
"Now Rowley has been sentenced, we hope this outcome reinforces the message that reports of sexual offending will be listened to, will be supported, and will be taken seriously."
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