Gift Oladele (Image: North Wales Police)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
A 24-year-old man has been handed a 25-year sentence after raping a young woman as she made her way home from a night out in Wrexham.
Sentencing
Gift Oladele, from the Manchester area and currently of no fixed abode, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Thursday, 30 April, where he received 17 years in prison along with an extended licence period of eight years.
The court also imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order to protect the victim for life.
The attack
In the early hours of 7 September last year, Oladele approached the 19-year-old victim and a friend in Wrexham city centre. He insisted on accompanying the woman home, telling her he was heading the same way.
Once the pair were alone, he raped her on an isolated footpath near Mold Road before warning her not to contact police.
Investigation and trial
Officers arrested Oladele just hours after the attack. He was charged and remanded into custody.
He denied both rape and sexual assault at trial, maintaining the victim had consented, but a jury at Mold Crown Court convicted him in March.
Police response
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.”
