A man from Croydon has been found guilty and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after raping a woman on a recreational ground in Tandridge.

The incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday, 18 May after a woman in her 20s accepted a lift from 59-year-old Colin Ford who drove her to Whyteleafe Recreational Ground before subjecting her to the serious sexual assault.

Throughout the day leading up to the assault, the victim had been socialising in Caterham and had met the offender at a venue in the town for the first time.

Ford was arrested within hours of the offence being reported to police and charged with rape the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andy Cooper, said: "I welcome the sentenced passed to Ford for this sickening crime where he preyed on a vulnerable woman and has shown absolutely no remorse for his actions.

"The sentenced passed cannot undo what happened to the victim but I hope it will go some way to help her seek closure from her ordeal and will allow her to move on with her life. She demonstrated a great deal of courage throughout the trial and must be commended for doing so.

"I hope the conviction and sentence will encourage other victims of sexual assault or abuse to put their faith in Surrey Police and come forward to report offences so that we can seek justice for them too.

"All victims of sexual offences are supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation and judicial process.”

Ford of Fernhurst Road, Croydon was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Thursday, 19 June and was also handed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse and would like further help and advice, information can be found by visiting http://www.surrey.police.uk/.

To report a sexual offence contact Surrey Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.