Description
A 24-year-old man who raped a young woman in Wrexham has been jailed.
Gift Oladele, of the Manchester area and currently of no fixed abode, violently attacked the 19-year-old victim as she walked home following a night out with friends.
Oladele introduced himself to the victim and her friend in the city centre in the early hours of September 7 last year.
He insisted on walking her home, claiming he was heading in the same direction.
As they walked alone towards Mold Road, he raped her on an isolated footpath.
Following the attack, he warned her not to report the incident to police.
Oladele was arrested hours later and subsequently charged and remanded into custody following a thorough investigation.
He denied rape and sexual assault, claiming the victim had consented, but a jury found him guilty at Mold Crown Court in March.
At Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday, 30 April, he was sentenced to a total of 25 years, including 17 years in prison, with an extended licence period of eight years.
He was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim for life.
Wrexham Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst said:
“Oladele is a dangerous predator who left a young woman fearing for her life as he subjected her to a disturbing and terrifying attack as she walked home following a night with her friends.
“He demonstrated no remorse for his crimes after forcing her to relive the traumatic experience through a trial.
“I would like to praise the dignity and courage she has shown throughout the investigation, and for her bravery in reporting this incident to us.
“Thankfully, today’s sentence has removed Oladele from the streets, preventing any further harm to anyone else. I hope it reassures the public that North Wales Police is committed to eradicating all incidents of violence against women and girls and is working tirelessly to bring perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice.
“I would urge any victim of sexual assault to get in touch with us. You will be listened to, your report will be taken seriously and fully investigated. We are here to support you.”