A teacher has been jailed for 10 years for the rape of a 14-year-old girl who he took back to his home after befriending her.

Subir Chakravarty, 38, now unemployed and of Kenneth Road, Chadwell Heath, Essex was sentenced at Hove Crown Court having been found guilty of twice raping the teenager on March 28 2014.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Chakravarty was an IT teacher at Ratton School in Eastbourne when he befriended the girl, from the town, and on that day took her back to his then address, where the offences happened."

Detective constable James Hookway said: "This man denied throughout the investigation and trial that he committed any offences, and the victim was very brave in giving evidence against him, having previously summoned up the courage to report what had happened.

"She should also be commended in remaining patient and putting her faith in the justice system, waiting two years for this matter to come to trial.

"From the day this was reported to them and throughout the investigation, we have had full co-operation from the school, which acted in an exemplary way in managing the initial disclosure, and it is clear that there were no other safeguarding concerns in relation to Chakravary during his short time there."

The force spokesman added: "Chakravarty had served notice of resignation at the school before this incident happened and left a few days later.

"By the time this was first reported, he had taken up a teaching post at a school in east London. However, the school dismissed him when this matter became known."