Published:15:4021/05/2024Updated:15:4721/05/2024
Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been convicted of rape and other sexual offences in Oxford.
Khaliz Ali Jaber Alshimery, aged 46, of Grenoble Road, Oxford, was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of rape, sexual assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault by touching, following a trial lasting five days at Oxford Crown Court.
In the early hours of 19 November 2023, the victim, a woman aged in her twenties, was in Oxford city centre when Alshimery identified that she was alone.
Alshimery followed the victim out of the town and sexually assaulted her in a doorway near to the Plain roundabout.
Two unidentified members of the public intervened and the victim was able to escape at that point.
However, Alshimery then continued to follow her at a distance, before dragging her into the churchyard of St Clements Church in Marston Road, where he raped her.
Alshimery was quickly identified and was arrested by officers the following day (20 November 2023).
He was charged with the offences on 21 November.
Detective Inspector Krista Thompson of Oxford CID said: “This was a shocking case where the victim was attacked by a total stranger.
“She had every right to feel safe in our city and my belief is she was targeted because she was alone.
“I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case, as she has displayed tremendous dignity and bravery to support our investigation to bring Alshimery to justice.
“Although cases like this are thankfully extremely rare, we remain resolutely committed to tacking violence against women and girls and will always listen to and support victims, and seek to bring offenders to justice.
“If you are a victim, or suspect someone is a victim of crime, please contact the force. We have specialist trained officers who will listen and support you.
“You can contact us via our website, by calling 101, or by visiting a police station.”
Alshimery has been remanded in custody for sentencing on Friday 21 June.
Man convicted of rape and other sexual offences – Oxford | Thames Valley Police
Khalis is an Arabic name for boys that means “pure”. The word Khalis is used twice in the Quran, such as in verse 16:66