Twana Azize

A devious and calculating sexual predator, Twana Azize, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping a woman he encountered by chance in a nightclub. The attack, described as vicious and pre-planned, occurred in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May 2025 in Hereford city centre.

According to West Mercia Police, Azize, 29, of College Road, Hereford, met his victim while she was out with friends at the nightclub. He deliberately targeted her, first isolating her from her group within the venue. As the night progressed, Azize prevented her from securing a taxi home, leading her away from the taxi rank to a secluded street away from public view, where he carried out the rape.

• Azize planned the assault while still in the club.
• He forcibly kept the victim from leaving safely.
• The incident was reported immediately after the victim managed to get a taxi home.

Following the report, police conducted a CCTV trawl and subsequent searches, leading to Azize's arrest. He denied the charges, forcing the victim to testify in court and relive the ordeal. Despite his denial, forensic examination of his clothing provided crucial evidence that supported the prosecution's case. The jury at Worcester Crown Court did not believe Azize's version of events and found him guilty of rape on 22 August 2025.

Sentencing took place on 17 October 2025, where Judge [name not specified] imposed an eight-year custodial sentence, deeming Azize to pose an ongoing threat to women. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Detective Constable James Smith of Hereford Reactive CID stated: “We are pleased to get justice today with this custodial sentence for Azize, a sexual predator who belongs behind bars. Azize preyed on a woman who was on a night out with friends, taking advantage of her and forcibly preventing her from getting home safely so he could rape and attack her.” Smith further emphasised the police commitment to prosecuting such cases, hoping the outcome would encourage other victims to come forward.

The case highlights the dangers of predatory behaviour in social settings and the importance of swift police action, including CCTV analysis and forensic evidence, in securing convictions. West Mercia Police's investigation was pivotal in bringing Azize to justice, ensuring he can no longer pose an immediate threat to the public.