A man has been jailed after he raped a young girl in her own bed despite her protests.

Gary Gibbons, 36, attacked a girl aged under 18 at a home in Mile End on April 18 last year.

Police said that he was sleeping in the living room of the home at the time, and went into the girl’s room in the early hours of the morning.

He then got into bed with her and despite her protests, raped her.

The victim fled the scene and went to a friend’s house, where police were called.

Gibbons initially denied that he had raped the girl, claiming he had slept through the night.

But DNA found on the victim’s clothing proved otherwise, and he was arrested on August 31.

He was found guilty of rape at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 6, and jailed for six years and four months at the same court on Wednesday (March 13).

Gibbons will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

Following sentencing, Tower Hamlets Detective Inspector Chris Heathcote said: “I am pleased that Garry Gibbons has been removed from the community to a place where he no longer poses a threat to women and girls.

“We understand the anxiety of reporting rape, particularly when the attacker is someone that you know.

“I urge anyone in that situation to get in touch, at the very least so that we can check you are okay.

“My thoughts are with the survivor/victim in this case. I hope she may now find a measure of closure.”