A former Ipswich man who raped and sexually assaulted a schoolgirl has been jailed for 12 years.

Lovemore Muzadzi, 40, of Strickland Manor Hill, Yoxford, had denied three offences of rape and one of sexual assault but changed his pleas to guilty on the second day of his trial at Ipswich Crown Court last year.

He had also denied sexually assaulting another schoolgirl and this charge was ordered to be left on the court file.

Sentence was adjourned until today (Monday) for a pre-sentence report.

In addition to being jailed Muzadzi, who has no previous convictions, was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register and was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order. Both orders will last indefinitely.

The court heard Muzadzi had groped the victim’s breasts and bottom and asked her to have sex with him.

When she said no he had held her down by her wrists and had sex with her.