Police have launched a manhunt for a convicted sex offender who is due to start a five-year jail-term for taking advantage of a vulnerable woman.

Brian Green, of no fixed address, was sentenced in his absence after being found guilty of two types of sexual assault.

The 49-year-old, who took advantage of a young woman he had met with in Canterbury, failed to appear at court for his hearing and is now being hunted for arrest.

Green was found guilty by a jury at Canterbury Crown Court last Friday.

He had forced himself on the woman on June 20, 2015 despite her spurning his advances, but later denied the allegations.

Investigating officer Nicky Brown said: "It is without doubt that Green took advantage of this vulnerable woman and then refused to admit to what he'd done.

"He further subjected her to a five-day trial and failed to appear himself.

"Thankfully his absence did not impact the jury’s decision who unanimously agreed he was guilty of these offences. We are now actively seeking Green who will be arrested and sent straight to prison."

Police say they believe he could be in the London or Derbyshire area.

Inspector Brown continued: "Green is also subject to a permanent restraining order which I hope, along with his sentence, provides some reassurance to his victim whilst we pursue him and ensure he is imprisoned.

"Kent Police takes allegations of sexual offences extremely seriously and we want victims to have the courage to come forward and report crimes like this to us in the knowledge we will handle your case in the most understanding and caring way."

Anyone who knows Green, or has information on where he might be, is asked to call 101 immediately quoting reference 46/ZY/5003/15.