A man has been jailed for raping a 19-year-old woman in a bush in Southampton.

Rosario Raquel Dos Reis was jailed for eight years and four months at Southampton Crown Court today for the attack in Palmerston Park.

He was given an extended licence period of six years, making a total sentence of 14 years four months.

Reis, 27, attacked his victim in the early hours of February 19. 

She had been to a party the night before and stopped to ask Reis the time whilst walking along Above Bar Street at around 7am.

Daily Echo: Rosario Raquel Dos ReisRosario Raquel Dos Reis (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Reis took her into the bushes in Palmerston Park and raped her as members of the public walked past.

The court heard one passer-by saw the woman mouth 'help me' and called the police. 

Reis fled to a nearby coach station and despite trying to change his clothes, he was identified and arrested.

He initially denied any non-consensual activity but went on to plead guilty on the second day of his trial at Southampton Crown Court.

Reis, of St Mary's Street, Southampton was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order and must register as a sex offender. 

Judge Christopher Parker KC said it is likely he will be deported at the end of his sentence.