A manhunt has been launched to find a convicted rapist who failed to turn up to his sentencing. 

William White raped a woman while she was sleeping at his house in Paragon Road, Hackney, following a social gathering in January 2020.

The 24-year-old was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (August 1)  to five-and-a-half years' jail for one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by touching.

White failed to appear at the hearing and is now wanted by police.

Met detectives said they are keen to hear from anyone who knows where he is.

The victim gave evidence in front of her attacker during a nine-day trial which ended on May 19.

The court heard the victim attended White’s home with a friend for a social gathering on January 17, 2020 and had trusted White, having already known him through friends.

The victim fell asleep at the address and later woke to find White raping her, Scotland Yard said.

She reported the incident to police on January 19 2020.

White was arrested by detectives two days later and following an investigation was charged with the offence on December 20 2021.

Det Con Jamie Merrill, the investigating officer, said he hoped the sentence would bring "a small measure of peace to the victim and a sense that justice has been served".

He added: “White subjected the victim to a horrifying ordeal when she was asleep and vulnerable.

“Throughout the trial he attempted to mislead the court about his actions, but the 12 men and women of the jury correctly identified his dishonesty and convicted him unanimously of rape.

“Significant resources are being brought to bear to apprehend White so he can face justice. I urge anybody with information about White’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.”

White had also been charged with a further count of rape in relation to a second victim. He was found not guilty of that offence.

White will be placed on the Sex Offender Register for life and will be managed by specialist officers when he is released from prison.

PC Rita Stepanoviene, a specialist officer who worked on the case supporting the victim-survivor, added: "We hope this case shows we will always take reports of this nature incredibly seriously.

"We would urge any others who may have been subject to these types of offences to come forward and speak to us - at the very least so that we can make sure you are supported."

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of a sexual offence should call police on 101 or report the offence online.

Anyone who has information concerning the whereabouts of William White should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.