A rapist who attacked a woman in an alleyway in Tilbury has been jailed for seven years.

The victim was approached by a man in Dock Road at around 11pm on September 9 2017.

Following a brief conversation the man forced her down an alleyway adjacent to Tilbury Taxis to a green area near to Church Road where he attacked her.

After the attack, and once the man had gone, the victim knocked on the doors of nearby houses and police were called.

Marian Neagu, 31, of Castle Road, Grays was arrested on Wednesday, April 4 2018 after a member of the public recognised him from a CCTV photo that was issued as part of an appeal for information.

He was charged with rape later that day and pleaded guilty at his first appearance at Basildon Crown Court on Friday, May 1.

At the same court today he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Natalia Ross said: “Rape is a horrible and invasive crime which can have a long-lasting impact on the victim.

“Marian Neagu is a dangerous individual who preyed on the victim, violating her in the most horrific way.

“The level of force he used was brutal and he had little regard for her wellbeing.

“I want to thank the public for their role in helping to identify him and bring him to justice. I am pleased he will spend a significant amount of time behind bars and I hope he uses that time to reflect on the impact of his actions.

“I also want to praise the courage and dignity the victim has shown throughout the investigation and I hope this sentence will provide her with some solace.”