A WHITLEY man has been found guilty of raping and beating a woman in West Reading in September last year.

Edgaras Vanageli, of Swainstone Road, was convicted of two counts of rape and one count of false imprisonment today, following a five-day trial at Reading Crown Court.

The 22-year-old approached the woman in Oxford Road with another man at around 10pm on September 3, 2013 and took her to an address in Waverley Road.

Vanageli then beat and raped the woman during a two-hour attack.

The victim was left with visible facial injuries, including loose teeth, and extreme post-traumatic stress.

Investigating officer Det Con James Kyriacopoulos from Reading Force CID said: “During this case, we worked alongside the Rahab Project in Reading to build confidence between the victim and the police.

“Without their support and care, and the bravery of the victim, we would not have been able to build a case.

“Vanagelis deliberately targeted a vulnerable woman and abused her in a prolonged attack. Thames Valley Police will always take any report of this nature seriously and work tirelessly to bring the offenders to justice.”

Vanagelis is due to be sentenced at the same court on Monday, December 1.