Khaliz Ali Jaber Alshimery

A man from Oxford has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in a shocking attack last year. Khaliz Ali Jaber Alshimery, aged 46 and formerly residing on Grenoble Road, targeted a lone woman in her twenties in the early hours of 19 November 2023. The incident unfolded near the Plain roundabout, where Alshimery followed the victim out of the town centre and assaulted her in a doorway.

According to details from the Thames Valley Police investigation, Alshimery committed one count of rape, one count of sexual assault by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault by touching. The assault was interrupted when two unidentified members of the public intervened, allowing the victim to escape temporarily. However, Alshimery persisted, following her at a distance before pulling her into the churchyard of St Clements Church on Marston Road, where he carried out the rape. These good Samaritans have not come forward to police despite their crucial role in the initial intervention.

Alshimery was swiftly identified and arrested by officers the day after the attack, on 20 November 2023, and charged on 21 November 2023. He appeared at Oxford Crown Court, where a unanimous jury verdict confirmed his guilt on all counts. The sentencing took place on 24 June 2024, as reported by Greatest Hits Radio Oxfordshire.

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson of Oxford CID described the case as 'shocking,' emphasising that Alshimery exploited the victim's vulnerability by targeting her because she was alone. 'The victim had every right to feel safe in our city,' she stated. Thompson praised the victim's tremendous dignity and bravery in supporting the investigation, which led to the conviction of this dangerous offender. She added, 'Removing him from the streets makes Oxford a safer place for women and girls.' Thames Valley Police highlighted their priority to tackle violence against women and girls, underscoring the significance of this outcome in protecting the community.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals in public spaces, with Alshimery now serving a substantial custodial sentence for his predatory actions.