A man jailed for sexually assaulting a vulnerable woman in Brighton was a top PR manager at banking group Santander.

Jonathan Akerman, of Risborough Road, in Worcester Park, was caught on CCTV 'touching a 21-year-old inappropriately' next to a Travelodge in West Street at about 5am on October 4.

It was clear to the CCTV operators that she was unable to consent.

Akerman, 43, who described himself as "a seasoned PR pro" on his LinkedIn profile also played drums for the band Trembling Blue Stars after following the group as a fan in the early 2000s.

They once played a live set on the John Peel show.

The senior strategic communications manager for the banking group had described one of his greatest successes as helping head off a near run on the bank when a ratings agency mistakenly said Santander UK had been downgraded.

He has also fundraised for the British Heart Foundation and NSPCC, competing in cycle races to raise money.

A Santander spokesman said it would not be appropriate for the bank to comment on Mr Akerman's conviction "at this time".

He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court on Friday, March 7, to sexually assaulting the woman and was sentenced to two years in prison.

Detective Constable Julian Harrison-Jones said: "Akerman preyed on a vulnerable woman and completely took advantage of her.

"His behaviour was unacceptable and the judge agreed. He will now go to prison for two years.

"We have supported the victim throughout our investigation and we hope this sentence means she can begin to move forward with her life.

"We will never stand for this predatory behaviour and will seek to prosecute and bring to justice anyone who acts this way."