A 40-year-old Afghan national, Najeebullah Arab, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a teenager just one week after sexually assaulting a woman in Oxfordshire.
The horrific attacks occurred only a year after Arab was released on bail in connection with engaging in sexual communication with a child. He was arrested and charged in 2024 for that offense and released on bail on January 16, 2025.
On January 21 this year, Arab approached a woman in her late twenties on Cane Lane in Grove, Oxfordshire. He followed her to Main Street, where he sexually assaulted her.
Less than a week later, on January 27, Arab approached a woman in her late teens while riding a bicycle on Grove Road. After briefly speaking to her, the repeat predator sexually assaulted her and then took her to an area behind Mably Way, where he raped her.
Arab was arrested on January 30 and charged the following day. He pleaded guilty to one count of rape and kidnap and two counts of sexual assault at Oxford Crown Court on March 12, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit. He later admitted a further offense of engaging in sexual communication with a child on May 8.
Arab, of Mayfield Avenue in Grove, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on June 19. He is also subject to an extended license period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 20 years, and an indefinite restraining order relating to his victims.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May praised the victims, whose courage in coming forward was vital in securing justice. He stated: 'They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing, in recognition of their bravery and the suffering they have endured as a result of Najeebullah Arab’s actions.'
DCI May added: 'Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences. Arab also engaged in sexual communication with a teenage girl, further underlining the significant risk he poses and the breadth of his persistent sexual offending.'
'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.'
He emphasized that Thames Valley Police remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, stating: 'We will relentlessly pursue offenders, support victims throughout, and work to prevent harm wherever we can. I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.'
