A man who befriended a vulnerable woman only to assault her and rape her twice has been convicted at Croydon Crown Court.

Michael Dunne, 38, of Epsom Road, Croydon was found guilty at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, November 18 of two counts of rape, one count of assault by penetration, five counts of sexual assault and one count of ABH.

The offences took place at both the 27-year-old victim’s and Dunne’s home addresses in April and May 2009.

Dunne had become friends with the young woman in 2008 while she was living in supported accommodation away from her family.

She became increasingly reliant on Dunne for emotional and financial support and Dunne exploited that reliance to his advantage, the court heard.

The court heard he became increasingly violent towards her which culminated in him beating her, sexually assaulting her and raping her twice.

When she confided in her friends about what had been happening, Dunne threatened her with a knife.

Despite this and with the support of her friends the victim found the courage to speak to the police about her ordeal, the court heard.

When Dunne was arrested at his home on Tuesday, May 5 he denied all allegations against him and continued to deflect the blame onto the victim throughout his trial.

Detective Constable Nicki Buckle of Croydon CID said: “Dunne showed no remorse for the violent acts he has committed, all the while denying his actions.

“I wish to thank the victim and the witnesses in this case for having the courage to speak to police and attend court.”

“I hope the verdict goes some way in helping the victim to rebuild her life.

"This is a particularly satisfactory verdict after a long and protracted investigation by Croydon’s Sapphire Team and one that I hope will give other victims of serious sexual offences the courage to come forward and speak to police.”