A 24-year-old Nigerian man, Gift Oladele, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of raping a young woman in Wrexham.
Oladele, previously based in the Manchester area and described as having no fixed address at the time of the incident, carried out the attack in the early hours of September 7 last year.
North Wales Police disclosed that the victim, a 19-year-old woman, had been returning home after a night out with friends when she encountered him in Wrexham city centre.
According to court proceedings, Oladele approached the victim and her friend, introduced himself, and insisted on accompanying her home, claiming he was headed in the same direction.
However, as they walked along Mold Road, he led her onto an isolated footpath where he violently raped her.
After the assault, he reportedly threatened the victim, warning her not to report the incident to authorities.
Despite the threat, the incident was reported, and Oladele was arrested within hours following a police investigation. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.
During the trial at Mold Crown Court in March, Oladele denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual. However, the jury rejected his defence and found him guilty of rape and sexual assault.
He was later sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on April 30 to a total of 25 years, comprising 17 years in prison and an extended licence period of eight years.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim.
Speaking after the sentencing, Wrexham Chief Inspector Caroline Mullen-Hurst described Oladele as a “dangerous predator” who subjected the victim to a “disturbing and terrifying attack.”
“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,” she added.