Predator convicted of woodland rape after deportation halted

Nigerian whose deportation for previous crimes was blocked raped woman in Wrexham woodland & told victim to “pretend it never happened” as judge warns lengthy custodial sentence next month.

A 24-year-old man has been warned he faces a substantial custodial sentence after being convicted of rape and sexual assault against a 19-year-old woman in North Wales.

Gift Oladele was found guilty following a trial at Mold Crown Court of attacking the woman in woodland near Wrexham in September last year, as she walked home from a night out.

Read more: Wolverhampton predator gurpreet randhawa jailed for 18 years

The court heard Oladele approached the complainant, placed his hand over her mouth and forced her into nearby woods, where he removed her clothing and raped her. During the attack, he instructed her to act as though she was consenting and, afterwards, told her to “pretend it never happened”.

He was convicted of rape and sexual assault by a jury.

Read more: Hull hotel rape: Two jailed for attack girl, 13

Remanding him in custody ahead of sentencing, His Honour Judge Simon Mills told the defendant: “I will be passing a long prison sentence upon you. This is a very serious case.”

The court was told the offence was committed after Oladele had previously been released from custody for an earlier violent offence involving a lone woman in Manchester.

Read more: Trio on Trial for "Callous" Brighton Beach Rape

In December 2022, he was jailed for two years for false imprisonment after detaining a woman in broad daylight in an incident in which she feared she would be raped.