Khaliz Alshimery

On the night of 19 November 2023, a female student was walking home alone in Oxford after a night out. At approximately 2.30am, she was targeted by Khaliz Alshimery, a 47-year-old man, who dragged her into St Clement’s churchyard off Marston Road and carried out a brutal sexual assault.

Alshimery, who identified the victim as vulnerable and alone, subjected her to rape, assault by penetration, and three counts of sexual assault. The attack was described by police as shocking, with the perpetrator taking advantage of the victim's isolation for his own gratification. The incident occurred in a public space, highlighting the dangers faced by women walking alone in the city.

Following a thorough investigation by Thames Valley Police, Alshimery was arrested and charged. On Friday, 21 June 2024, he appeared at Oxford Crown Court where he was convicted on all counts. The court imposed a sentence of 12 years' imprisonment, along with a five-year extended licence period, ensuring his close monitoring upon release.

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson of Oxford CID paid tribute to the victim's courage, stating: “This was a shocking case where the victim was attacked by a complete stranger. Alshimery identified that the victim was alone, and took advantage of this for his own gratification. The victim had every right to feel safe in our city, and my belief is she was targeted because she was alone.” She further commended the victim's dignity and bravery in supporting the investigation, which led to the conviction of this dangerous offender.

Thompson added: “Alshimery will serve a considerable custodial sentence as a result of his actions that night, and removing him from the streets makes Oxford a safer place for women and girls. Thankfully, cases such as this are exceedingly rare.” The sentencing was welcomed by police as a step towards enhancing public safety, particularly for women and girls in Oxford.