A MAN has been found guilty of raping a girl in the public toilets of a shopping centre in Woking.

Sylvester Omolumhen will be sentenced in December for two counts of rape after a jury returned the verdict at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old from Meadow View, Westfield, Woking, attacked the 17-year-old in September last year in the public toilets in Wolsey Walk.

The court heard Omolumhen had arranged to meet the girl in town to go shopping and for a drink. He encouraged the girl into the conveniences where he attacked her.

Jurors were told the Showzone worker said he was doing her a favour.

He told the court: "She's not my type. If I wanted to rape a girl, I'd find a beautiful girl to rape."  

He admitted having sex with her but claimed she was the instigator and taunted him into it.

But he was found guilty of two counts of rape and acquitted on two other charges.

After the attack the girl went home and told her mother and father what had happened and they called the police.

When the defendant - a former student at Merrist Wood, Worplesdon - was arrested he told detectives: "It wasn't rape. She's old enough."

Omolumhen said he had been reluctant to make the first move because he had not known her well and did not find her attractive.

He said he was widely known and liked when he was at Merrist Wood, adding: "I'm kind of popular in the college."  

Detective Constable Adrian Duncombe from Surrey Police said: “The verdict of the jury is to be welcomed and is a testament to the victim who had the strength to report the rape. 

"Her bravery in coming forward has enabled this sex offender to be brought before the court.

"I would encourage other victims to follow her lead and hope that they may have similar strength to bring allegations to Surrey Police in order that we can help prevent similar offences occurring."