Man jailed for 'preying on and befriending' 16-year-old girl before raping her

A man has been jailed for eight years after he raped a teenager in Sunderland.

Syed Ali, 47, from the Barnes area of Sunderland was found guilty of rape at Newcastle Crown Court in July.

Mr Ali was arrested after a 16-year-old girl was raped in Mowbray Park on Monday, December 8, last year and was sentenced today, August 14th.

Detective Inspector Phil Bond said: "Ali preyed on his victim, befriending her and quickly gaining her trust before subjecting her to a horrific attack.

"He is clearly a dangerous individual and the public deserve to be protected from him. I am pleased he will now spend a substantial amount of time behind bars where he cannot cause further harm to anyone.

Northumbria Police have said they would continue to urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward.