A rapist has been sentenced to nine years behind bars for sexually assaulting a French woman following an investigation that lasted over five years.

A court heard how barber Kenny Obire, of Bath Close, Peckham, met his 22-year-old victim in July 2002 as she was walking past his place of work.

She told Obire she was keen to practice her English and accepted an invitation to go with him to his flat.

After offering her food, Obire kissed her on the cheek without warning and then chased her around the flat before forcing her onto the bed The woman returned to France and later made her allegation. An item of clothing that she wore at the time of the rape was submitted for analysis with Obire's DNA being matched to the garment.

Obire was finally arrested in 2006 as investigators were forced to travel around to get evidence. He denied rape, claiming he was a thief and a crack addict but not a rapist.

However, he was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison with the court also recommending that he is deported after his sentence is complete.