Rapist who threatened to decapitate victim jailed

Jerome Macalla threatened to take his victim's "head off" if he was arrested

A rapist who threatened to decapitate his victim if she reported her ordeal has been jailed for 12 years.

Jerome Macalla, 33, raped a woman after overpowering her and forcing his way into her Sheffield home.

He then told her he would "shoot her in the face" if she went to the police and said he would “take her head off” if any officers came to arrest him.

South Yorkshire Police praised Macalla's victim for her "bravery and courage" in coming forward.

Macalla, of Arden Road in Birmingham, was subsequently arrested in June last year after officers found him trying again to break into his victim's home with a shovel.

He was found guilty of rape and harassment following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court, having already admitted charges of driving while disqualified, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.

PC Katie Walker, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "Macalla's threats were so menacing and chilling, his victim was left frightened of reporting the rape to us.

"She must have been absolutely terrified of this evil man and I want to commend her bravery and courage in coming forward to tell us all the crimes he had subjected her to.

"Macalla is a dangerous predator who inflicted untold misery on his victim who must have been so scared of what he would do should his crimes ever come to light."

Macalla was also placed on the sex offenders register for life and given an indefinite restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim.