Churchyard rapist jailed for 12 years

A judge imposed an extended sentence due to the danger Khaliz Alshimery presented to the public

A man has been jailed for 12 years for following a woman at night before raping her in a churchyard.

Khaliz Ali Alshimery pulled his 20-year-old victim into the grounds of St Clement's Church, off Marston Road, Oxford, in the early hours of 19 November.

The 46-year-old, of Grenoble Road, was also found guilty at Oxford Crown Court of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault.

A judge imposed an extended supervision period of five years after the time in custody on account of the danger Alshimery presented to the public.

The woman was raped in the grounds of St Clement's Church

The defendant initially assaulted the woman in a doorway after following her out of the city centre, police said.

Two members of the public intervened and the victim escaped.

However, Alshimery continued to pursue her from a distance before pulling her into the churchyard and raping her, police added.

Det Insp Krista Thompson 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.

"She has displayed tremendous dignity and bravery to support our investigation to bring a dangerous offender to justice."