Unemployed Man Jailed for Rape of Teenage Girl

Reece Pettitt, 20, has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl at a hostel in Horsham.

The attack occurred in October 2015, when Pettitt, who was living at the hostel, invited himself into the victim's room and made unwanted sexual advances. Despite her repeated pleas for him to leave, Pettitt proceeded to rape her.

Detectives stated that Pettitt and the victim were barely acquainted.

Pettitt, of Charrington Way, Broadbridge Heath, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life.

In April 2016, Pettitt was found not guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice in Crawley in relation to this case.

Detective Constable Nicky Beard commented: "The victim in this case was vulnerable and showed real courage in reporting this matter and giving evidence at court."