A 50-year-old Margate taxi driver has been jailed for seven years for the rape of a teenager.

Martin Miah, of Grosvenor Gardens had denied the offence but was convicted by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court.

Prosecutor Edmund Fowler told how the attack happened in 2015 when Miah was drunk.

Miah claimed the victim was “probably having a little dream or something” and said no sex had taken place.

He said he was “really drunk” and had fallen asleep fully clothed and was “shocked” when he was later accused of the rape.

But the jury rejected his account and found him guilty of the attack.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.

Detective Constable Jennifer Brightman, the investigating officer, said: "Miah's offending will have a life-long impact on his victim who has shown a great deal of courage to speak out against a man who abused her in the worst possible way.

"It took a lot of bravery for her to speak out against this offender and the courage she has shown has helped bring Miah to justice.

"The sentence he has received is entirely appropriate and I hope this sends out a clear message to all victims of sexual assault that your voice will be heard and we will do all in our power to bring offenders to justice."