Douglas Charova appealed against his conviction and was found not guilty of rape after a retrial at Croydon Crown Court in March 2009.

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A 36-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced to seven years imprisonment for raping a woman.

Douglas Charova was convicted of raping the 36-year-old victim at her Bromley home after a night out on January 28 last year.

Charova, of Southwell Close, Chafford Hundred, was arrested and charged with two counts of rape on March 31.

He was found guilty on both counts following a trial at Croydon Crown Court and was remanded in custody until he was sentenced on February 5.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Jiggins, from the Sapphire Unit at Bromley police station, said: "I am grateful to the victim for providing her evidence. Whilst she is pleased with the verdict, the whole process has been an arduous ordeal for her."