A man has been found guilty of raping a woman on a beach in Ramsgate.

Oliver Cooper, 20, of St Michael’s Avenue, Margate, appeared at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday.

He was found guilty of one count of rape.

Cooper, who was described in court as having anger management issues, was known to his victim.

Detectives launched an investigation after he raped her on the Ramsgate beach during the early hours of Sunday, August 7, last year.

She had agreed to meet him but he forced himself onto her, grabbing hold of her throat and ignoring her pleas to stop.

Investigating officer DC Tania Pickering, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Oliver Cooper is a predatory sex offender who repeatedly denied the allegations made against him.

"His victim was a vulnerable young woman who endured a harrowing ordeal at his hands. She has shown great courage and bravery to give evidence in court and ensure Cooper will now serve a lengthy prison sentence."

Cooper was found not guilty of three other counts of rape, including two against a second alleged victim who was also known to him.

Sentencing has been adjourned until a date to be scheduled.