Police: Wantage rapist is a ‘dangerous sexual predator’

Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.

The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.

READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage

He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.

Najeebullah Arab, jailed for committing violent sexual offences against women in Wantage (Image: Madeleine Evans)

Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.

“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.

“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.

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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.

“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”