A man who raped a woman at a derelict pub in Southend has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Przemyslaw Ciecharowski, 36, of Allenby Road, Southall, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 20 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

This followed a trial at Basildon Crown Court which concluded on Tuesday, November 28.

He had been found guilty of raping a woman, who is in her 20s, at the derelict Esplanade Pub on Southend seafront.

Ciecharowski, who is also now subject to a Sex Offenders Notice, had met the victim the previous evening before subjecting her to the attack on May 29.

Dc Louise Sheridan-Brown who led the investigation, said: “We know that the victim repeatedly told him no, yet it has now been proven that he ignored her wishes and subjected her to what was a terrible ordeal.

“She has displayed a huge amount of bravery and integrity throughout the investigation.

“This is despite having to also ensure the process of a trial which was necessary because Ciecharowski refused to admit the attack. “This is a man who appears to have absolutely no concept of consent, and who took advantage of the victim in the most despicable manner.

“Sex offenders should be aware that we will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.

“I and the team are very pleased that the victim’s bravery and thorough police work, have resulted in this individual being faced with spending a number of years in prison.”