Search results for Oxford

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a rapist has been jailed after being convicted of repeated sexual offences, coercive control and a number of other serious offences against multiple victims in Didcot.

Mike Loveridge, aged 18, of Newbury Road, Didcot, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (29/10) to eight years in prison with a four-year extension period, making a total sentence of 12 years.

The sentence follows a four-day trial at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a Youth Court, where on 24 September he was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count each of controlling and coercive behaviour, causing a female aged 13 or over to engage in sexual activity without consent, exposure, and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Loveridge was also sentenced for additional offences committed against other victims between April and May 2026, including one count each of harassment, harassment by breaching a restraining order, sending grossly offensive, indecent or menacing communications, and intimidating a witness.

The court also imposed five restraining orders to protect victims and granted an indefinite animal disqualification order, preventing Loveridge from keeping or being involved in the care of horses.

The court heard that between January and June this year, Loveridge subjected one of the victims to serious sexual violence and controlling behaviour.

His controlling and coercive behaviour included isolating the victim, making threats, subjecting her to violence and intimidation, and creating an atmosphere of fear. On one occasion, Loveridge contacted a funeral director in the victim’s presence to arrange her funeral.

Loveridge was arrested on 8 June and charged the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Angelique Lihou said:

“Mike Loveridge’s offending was serious, persistent and caused significant harm to a number of victims. Thanks to their courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation, he has now been held fully accountable for his actions.

“This outcome is the result of a thorough investigation and demonstrates our determination to pursue offenders and put them before the courts, regardless of their age.

“The sentence imposed reflects the gravity of these offences and the risk Loveridge poses to others. I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of crime to come forward and report it. We will listen, investigate thoroughly and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for rape in Oxford.

Rajeev Harikrishnan, aged 33, of Percy Street, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court yesterday (2/10) to a total of 17 years in prison.

Harikrishnan was found guilty by unanimous jury of the following:

• Five counts of rape
• One count of coercive and controlling behaviour
• One count of intentional strangulation
• One count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm
• One count of perverting the course of justice

He pleaded guilty to a further two counts of breaching a restraining order.

The victim in this case was subjected to a long period of sustained abuse both physical, sexual and emotional.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Marisa Chamberlain said:

“Harikrishnan has been convicted of a number of serious and violent offences.

“He held a sustained campaign and subjected the victim to a long period of physical, sexual and emotional abuse over a number of years. He will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case who has shown considerable courage and strength in reporting this to police and going through an investigation. This conviction is in no small part down to her incredible bravery and resilience.

“The sentence imposed by the court reflects the severity of the offences, and demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Domestic abuse will never be tolerated. We remain committed to supporting victims, pursing offenders and preventing further harm.”

Record details

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed after raping and sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in South Oxfordshire.

Glen Stone, aged 37, of no fixed address, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court after being found guilty by a jury of rape, sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching following a five-day trial.

Stone was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for rape. He received a concurrent nine-year sentence for sexual assault by penetration and a concurrent six-month sentence for sexual assault by touching.

The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 15 years, placed Stone on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and granted an indefinite restraining order protecting the victim.

The offences took place on 13 December 2025 in South Oxfordshire.

The victim was dragged by Stone into a room where he raped and sexually assaulted her.

Investigating officer Specialist Investigator Pippa Sharman, of Abingdon CID, said:

"I am pleased that Glen Stone is now facing the consequences of his actions and that he has been held accountable for the horrific offences he committed.

"This conviction is in no small part due to the remarkable bravery, resilience and courage shown by the victim. From the moment she reported what happened, she has supported this investigation and criminal justice process with immense strength.

"I hope today's sentence demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take reports of sexual offences seriously and will work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

"Nobody should have to experience what this young woman endured. We will not tolerate sexual offending of any kind, and we remain committed to supporting victims and pursuing those responsible.”

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for sexual offences in South Oxfordshire. 

Karl Miles (pictured below), aged 39, of Ipsden Court, Cholsey, Wallingford, pleaded guilty to one count each of an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old on multiple occasions by digital penetration, an offender 18 or over engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15 years old and engaging in sexual communication with a child at Oxford Crown Court on 22 June 2026. 

At the same court, Miles was sentenced to five years and four months' imprisonment yesterday (23/7). 

Between 1 March 2021 and 25 December 2021, Miles groomed and sexually assaulted the victim, girl in her teens at the time of the offences.  

Miles was arrested on 7 June 2022 and re-arrested on 4 May 2023.  

Subsequently, Miles was charged on 16 June 2024. 

Investigating officer Detective Constable Davina Gotch of the Criminal Investigation Department said:

"Firstly, I cannot commend the bravery of the victim enough, for coming forward and speaking out about what happened to them.  

“The abuse, and subsequent trial, has had a huge impact on the victim, but the resilience and strength of character she has shown is a real credit to her. 

"Sadly, the victim has since been diagnosed with severe complex PTSD as a result of the abuse she suffered from Miles. 

"Miles lied to police during his initial interview and continued to maintain his innocence throughout the investigation however when confronted with the evidence at court, he changed his plea to guilty.  

"The fight against child sexual abuse will never stop and I hope this conviction highlights not only our commitment in tackling these crimes but also our commitment in protecting all children and tracking down anyone who seeks to harm them. 

“As a force we remain committed to investigating these cases thoroughly, bringing sexual predators to justice, and support victims and witnesses of these abhorrent crimes. 

"I would always urge any victims of such heinous crimes to come forward and report these to police." 

Record details

Afghan Asylum Seeker Convicted of Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Girl and Woman in London

Abdul Barkeeh Salihi, a 24-year-old Afghan national and former resident of a now-closed Oxford asylum hotel, has been convicted of two sexual assaults and criminal damage.

Salihi admitted the offences at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, 13 July. He was sentenced to a £400 fine and £160 victim surcharge, and will remain on the sex offenders register for five years.

On 28 January last year, Salihi first followed a 42-year-old woman along Lombard Street in the City of London. After she turned and asked if he needed to pass, he shook his head and then slapped her bottom.

Later the same day, while a 14-year-old girl was sightseeing with her family in Leadenhall Market—the filming location for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films—Salihi put his hand on her bottom. She turned to see him wearing a “weird smirk.”

The family confronted him inside the Rocca Italian restaurant. Salihi refused to leave when asked by staff, then threw a chair through a window. He attempted to throw a second chair, which bounced off the glass, before members of the public detained him until police arrived.

Detective Constable Natalie Schofield, of City of London Police, said:

“These were deeply distressing sexual assaults committed in broad daylight against two females who were simply going about their daily lives. One of the victims was just 14-years-old, making this offending particularly concerning.

“I would like to thank both victims for the immense courage they showed in coming forward and supporting our investigation. We know how difficult it can be to report sexual offences, and their bravery has ensured this offender has been held accountable for his actions.”

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a child sex offender who committed offences in Milton Keynes has been jailed.

Peter Cox, aged 66, of Brambling Way, Oxford, was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment at Amersham Crown Court on Wednesday 20 May.

He received a special custodial sentence for offenders of particular concern, meaning he will serve his full custodial term in prison without automatic early release, followed by a mandatory two-year extended licence period.

He pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 14, two counts of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14, and two counts of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 16.

The offending took place between 1998 and 2002 in Milton Keynes. The victim was a child at the time of the offences.

Cox was first arrested on 5 September 2018 and, following a complex and protracted investigation, was charged on 1 November 2025.

Specialist Investigator Jo Simmons, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said:

“This was an especially distressing case, not only because of the nature of the offences, but due to the victim’s vulnerability and very young age at the time.

“I would like to commend the victim for the immense courage and resilience she has shown throughout what has been a long and difficult investigation. Coming forward and supporting a case like this is never easy, and her strength has been truly remarkable.

“I hope this outcome provides some sense of justice and demonstrates that we will always take allegations of this nature seriously, no matter how much time has passed.”

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed in connection with a rape in Oxford city centre in 2014.

Salam Karis, aged 35, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

Karis was also issued with an indefinite restraining order preventing any direct or indirect contact with the victim. He will also be on the sex offender register for life.

He was previously found guilty of three counts of rape following a trial at the same court.

Karis raped a young woman, who was visiting friends in Oxford for a night out, in Oxford city centre in 2014.

Officers from Oxford’s CID department conducted a thorough investigation at the time and identified Karis as a suspect.

He was arrested on the same day of the offence and charged, following which he was brought before the courts who released him on bail and Karis fled the country.

Thames Valley Police ensured his Fail to Appear warrant was re-issued, so when he did re-enter the country in Kent in July last year, he was arrested.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Pete Warne said:

“This was an appalling attack by Karis, and I am pleased that he has finally faced justice after fleeing the country.

“This conviction demonstrates our determination to pursue offenders, regardless of how much time has elapsed, and shows that attempts to evade justice will not succeed.

“We pay tribute to the victim, whose courage and resilience in continuing to support the investigation and give evidence in court has been instrumental in securing this conviction.”

Record details

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police, a man has been jailed for rape and sexual assault offences carried out across more than two decades.

Shaun Smith, aged 47, of Bernwood Road in Barton, Oxfordshire, was jailed for 18 years at Oxford Crown Court today (29/4).

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and has been issued with restraining orders for each of his victims.

Smith was arrested in March 2017 and again in December 2022. Following a thorough police investigation he was charged on October 18 2024.

Smith had originally pleaded not guilty to one count of rape, one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration. Following a two week trial at Oxford Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of all offences on Wednesday 1 April.

The jury heard how Smith had raped a teenager in Oxford in 2000, had sexually assaulted a woman in her twenties in Hastings in 2012 and had sexually assaulted two women in their thirties in Oxford in 2017 and again in 2022. On each occasion the women were asleep and not able to consent to what was happening.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Chris Bennett, of Oxfordshire’s Criminal Investigation Department, said:

“I would like to commend the incredible bravery of the women involved in this case. Without their determination, courage and support we may never have known about Smith’s offending and it would have been much harder to bring him to justice. This result today is a testament to them and while it can never undo what has happened, I hope it helps them gain some kind of closure and allow them to move forward with their lives.    

“Smith has proven himself to be a serial sex offender who preys on women while they are asleep and at their most vulnerable, unable to consent. Cases like this are the reason I became an officer and being able to bring dangerous predators like Smith to justice makes me proud to be a detective. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone here at Thames Valley Police who worked incredibly hard to help put Smith behind bars where he cannot harm anyone else.

“I hope that this case shows how seriously we take all reports of rape and sexual offences, no matter when they occurred. My plea today to anyone who has been affected by rape or any sexual offence is to please tell us. You can contact us via our website or call 101 where you can speak to specialist officers in confidence. There are also a range of other services available that can offer you support.”

Record details

An Oxford judge has urged a man jailed for breaching court orders to "get on with his life."

Benjaman Johnson, 31, of Abingdon Road, Oxford, was sentenced on February 17 at Oxford Crown Court after pleading guilty to failing to comply with sex offenders' register requirements and breaching his sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard Johnson was released from prison on January 14 this year. Five days later, on January 19, his offender manager discovered a Samsung phone used in incognito mode—a breach of the order—and an unreported bank card, leading to his arrest.

Johnson admitted the breaches in a police interview. He has two prior convictions for five offenses, including sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a girl under 16, plus a previous breach of his sexual harm prevention order.

Prosecutor Alexandra Bushell said: "This was a very serious breach, it was deliberate."

Defense counsel Gareth James noted: "He was using incognito mode. That does pose a serious risk as police didn't know what he was doing with the phone." He added concerns about Johnson's mental health, accepting "there is little alternative open to the court" and that "he does not seem to be suitable for provisions in the community."

Judge Michael Gledhill KC said: "You've had difficulties in your childhood and early adult life. When you appeared at Swindon Crown Court, you pleaded guilty to two very serious offences. They were trying to communicate with a child for sexual purposes and attempting to meet a child. That judge gave you a chance, but it wasn't long before you breached that chance."

The judge continued: "You were released from prison on January 14 this year and you were well aware of the sexual harm prevention order. Five days later your offender manager arrived and discovered you were using incognito mode. In these circumstances, you were arrested. This was a serious breach and it was deliberate. We don't know what you were accessing in incognito mode."

Johnson was jailed for 12 months, with his phone ordered deprived.

Judge Gledhill added: "You're now 31, you can't go on like this. You need to get on with your life and not come back before the courts."

Record details

Police have released a photo of Zeeshan Sheikh, 32, of Cornwallis Road, Oxford, who was jailed for raping an unconscious woman.

Sheikh was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Monday, September 29, after pleading guilty to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. His earlier attempt to change his plea was refused.

The court heard that Sheikh raped the woman on Sunday, January 5, at an unnamed women's refuge in Oxford, where he had been invited by a friend of the victim to celebrate the new year. All rooms at the refuge are covered by CCTV, which captured the incident.

A victim personal statement read in court said: "When I was told I was sexually assaulted, I didn't know what to feel. I felt really upset, I was extremely shocked and scared.

"I had no knowledge of it occurring. I became really depressed. My lack of sleep is affecting me and adding to my state of depression.

"I'm apprehensive about meeting new people."

The statement added: "I feel emotionally broken. Simple things I once enjoyed no longer bring me happiness. My confidence has been shattered.

"I have frequent panic attacks and I'm always on edge. The brutal attack has left me in constant fear."

Sheikh was jailed for 83 months, must comply with notification requirements for life, and received a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim until further order.

Record details

The Congolese national has been charged for multiple sex attacks while already serving a prison sentence for rape.

An asylum seeker who was once pictured carrying a sign saying “migrants are not criminals” has admitted three more serious sex offences. The Congolese national was jailed for nearly 11 years in 2024 after he raped a 15-year-old girl in Oxford, resulting in her becoming pregnant. On Tuesday, Anicet Mayela pleaded guilty to one count of rape and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

The new charges are related to attacks which took place in the same city as the first offence, between June 2016 and June 2017. Mayela, 41, originally tried to revoke his first guilty plea of rape, yet a judge refused. After arriving in Britain illegally in 2004, he has since fought against multiple deportation attempts, The Sun revealed. 

One bid to stay included the sex offender claiming his hand was broken by Home Office staff, therefore he was unfit to travel on a flight to Congo. Attendants on the Air France plane then refused to take off with him onboard.

When Mayela first arrived in the UK, the Home Office denied his asylum claim. After challenging this decision at an immigration tribunal, the rapist, who worked as a porter at the John Radcliffe Hospital, was granted leave to remain on appeal in 2010.

The asylum seeker was previously photographed protesting outside a detention centre in Oxford, wearing a sign around his neck which read “migrants are not criminals”. 

Mayela will be sentenced at Oxford crown court on June 6. 

Record details

Khaliz Alshimery, 47, was jailed for 12 years imprisonment with a five year extended licence at Oxford Crown Court on Friday (June 21) for rape, assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault after an incident on November 19 last year.

A student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was walking home from a night out at about 2.30am when Alshimery dragged her into St Clement’s churchyard, off Marston Road, and sexually assaulted her.

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson, of Oxford CID, said:

“This was a shocking case where the victim was attacked by a complete stranger.

“Alshimery identified that the victim was alone, and took advantage of this for his own gratification.

“The victim had every right to feel safe in our city, and my belief is she was targeted because she was alone.

“I would like to recognised and pay tribute to the victim in this case. She has displayed tremendous dignity and bravery to support our investigation to bring a dangerous offender to justice.

“Alshimery will serve a considerable custodial sentence as a result of his actions that night, and removing him from the streets makes Oxford a safer place for women and girls.

“Thankfully, cases such as this are exceedingly rare."

Record details

A convicted sex offender who raped a woman walking home from a party was given a life sentence today (January 26).

Daniel Williams, 36, from Clark’s Row, Oxford, cycled up behind the victim, grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her on to a muddy area.

He said what he was going to do would be quick and told her not to call the police, Luton Crown Court was told today.

The attack happened in Broham Road in Bedford.

The victim, who is in her 30s, raised the alarm by knocking on a front door at around 7am on the morning of January 17, 2022.

Williams, was caught when a match was found on the DNA database.

He was convicted by a jury of rape.

He had been released from prison in 2019 where he had been serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection after being convicted of following a 23-year-old woman to her home and attempting to rape her.

Williams, who was living in Didcot at the time, had entered the home of the victim who the court heard was "a young, small-framed lady, a vulnerable lady" at night.

There was a struggle as Williams tried to carry the woman upstairs, but she managed to fight him off and scratched his neck.

He then fled from the house.

In 2002 he had been sentenced to four years for indecently assaulting and robbing a 64-year-old woman working in a charity shop.

Williams refused to leave the vulnerable prisoners’ wing at Bedford jail and was sentenced in his absence.

Prosecutor Alisdair Smith said: “The evidence supports the suggestion he followed the complainant for some time."

In a victim personal statement, the woman said the attack left her afraid to go out. She heard voices and felt insecure. She said she had been affected on a daily basis.

Judge Geoffrey Payne described Williams as a “thoroughly dangerous sexual predator.”

He passed a life sentence with a minimum term of six years before he can be considered for parole.

The judge said: “This was a predatory attack on a lone woman on her way home. He left her lying in the mud.

"He has a history of attacking complete strangers for his own gratification. He poses a very high level of danger indeed.”

Detective Constable Peta Simpson from Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, said: “Williams was an opportunist offender who preyed on a lone woman before carrying out this appalling sexual assault.

“Random attacks like these are extremely rare – but we will always relentlessly pursue the vile perpetrators of such abhorrent behaviour.

“The victim in this case has showed true courage to reach out for support from a member of the public and speak to officers, which helped to ensure Williams is facing a significant period behind bars.

“Women deserve to feel safe in public spaces - they should not have to worry and they shouldn’t have to look over their shoulders.

“We remain committed to ensuring predators like Williams are removed from our streets.”

Record details

A serial rapist who targeted a woman as she slept tried to challenge his lengthy jail term.

Callen Chandler-Jones took advantage of the woman, who cannot be identified, leaving her "completely broken" and feeling as though she had been "treated like an object" in her own words.

Chandler-Jones, 31, was handed an extended sentence at Liverpool Crown Court in April, where a judge heard how he raped his "extremely vulnerable" victim while she was asleep on at least 11 occasions over the space of several years. Charlotte Kenny, prosecuting, described how the woman became suspicious and began leaving her phone under her pillow recording when she was sleeping.

When she later confronted Chandler-Jones, he apologised and said that he had been having "irresistible urges". He later made "partial admissions" to the attacks, which occurred at an address in Merseyside.

Chandler-Jones was jailed for 20 years, with an extended licence period of eight years, after admitting two counts of rape. The court heard the second count encompassed a number of different occasions.

That sentence means that Chandler-Jones must serve at least two thirds of his jail term before becoming eligible for parole, and will only be released early if a Parole Board are convinced he is safe to live in the community.

However the pervert launched an appeal against his sentence, claiming the judge had no right to impose such a long prison term.

A judgment handed down by the Court of Appeal after a hearing in the Royal Courts of Justice revealed that Chandler-Jones lodged two grounds of appeal. According to Lady Justice Whipple, Chandler-Jones argued "it was manifestly excessive given the facts of the case and the overall criminality involved".

He also argued imposing an extended sentence was unnecessary given the length of the custodial sentence. However Justice Whipple wrote: "The index offences are very severe. Their repeated nature makes it reasonable to go above the upper limit of that category by some margin.

"This sentence was for a series of rapes (at least 11) over a lengthy period, committed despite [the complainant] asking the applicant to stop and expressing her deep upset at what was occurring. These rapes were committed while she was asleep and unable to resist."

In regard to the extended sentence, she wrote: "The judge had good reason to impose an extended sentence in this case. The applicant plainly does present a real danger to the public."

Back in April. the victim bravely read out a statement to the court, in which she outlined the devastating impact of his assaults. She tearfully said: "I don't know how to put my feelings into words.

"This has completely broken me as a person. I am doing all I can to put the pieces back together. The hardest thing to get my head around was why he would want to cause me such distress time and time again. My confidence and my heart and soul was completely stripped from me.

"He treated me like an object to give pleasure. It broke my heart. I really struggle to understand how he could disregard me and my body. I want to ensure he never hurts anyone ever again.

"I refuse to be hurt by him anymore. I completely lost who I was."

Heroin and crack cocaine addict Chandler-Jones has a total of 19 previous convictions, including for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Judge David Swinnerton, who passed the original sentence, said: "You raped her in circumstances where she was exceptionally vulnerable. You used her like an object.

"You ignored her humanity completely and completely disregarded her as a human being. You treated her as a sexual play thing to do with what you wanted."

Chandler-Jones was also given a restraining order, preventing him from contacting the complainant indefinitely. He must sign the sex offenders' register for life.

Record details

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man from Oxford has been jailed for non-recent child sex offences.

Robert Ind, aged 76, of Hockmore Tower, was sentenced to 17 years in prison at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday (26/10).

He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

A jury unanimously found Ind guilty of two counts each of raping a male under 16 and indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14, and one count of committing buggery with a boy under 16 years of age, after an eight-day trial.

The jury found him not guilty of two other counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 14.

Ind raped a boy multiple times and committed buggery in the 1990s and early 2000s.

He also committed indecent assault on another boy on numerous occasions in the 1980s.

Ind was charged on 21 October 2021.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Janet Burchell said: “I would like to commend the bravery of the two victims to come forward, support our investigation and the court process, which has ultimately resulted in their abuser being brought to justice.

“I hope this sentencing shows that no matter when offences of this nature take place, victims will be taken seriously and listened to if they report offences.

“We will always investigate these offences and look to put child sex offenders like Robert Ind before the courts.”