A 39-year-old Afghan man has admitted kidnapping a teenager off a UK street and raping her just days after sexually assaulting a woman in her twenties. Najeebullah Arab pleaded guilty to rape, kidnapping and two counts of sexual assault at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday.
The vile attacks happened in separate incidents in the Oxfordshire towns of Wantage and Grove in January. The first assault took place at around 9.30pm on January 21 when a woman in her late 20s was approached by Arab on Cane Lane, Grove.
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After a brief interaction, she continued walking along Main Street towards Grove Garage. Arab followed her and sexually assaulted her.
Just six days later, a second horrific attack took place.
The victim, a woman in her late teens, was walking alone at around 11.15pm on January 27 along Grove Road when she was approached by Arab on a bicycle.
After speaking briefly with him, she was sexually assaulted before being led to an isolated spot behind Mably Way, where she was raped.
The offender then fled the area on his black bicycle, heading towards the traffic lights near Lidl.
Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was arrested on January 30 and charged two days later.
A spokesperson for the force confirmed he is an Afghan national who did not self-define his ethnicity when taken into custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May, senior investigating officer with Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victims in this case for the incredible courage they’ve shown in coming forward.
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“Thames Valley Police take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, especially those involving violence against women and girls.
“Our officers are committed to carrying out thorough investigations, supporting victims every step of the way, and working closely with our partners to help prevent further harm.
“The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence gathered by our officers in relation to these offences. Faced with the weight of that evidence, he had no option but to admit what he had done.
“We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Arab are brought to justice.”
Arab will be sentenced at a later date to be determined by the court.
