Rapist sentenced to prison - Wantage and Grove

Following an investigation by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, a man has been jailed for a series of serious sexual offences committed in Wantage and Grove.

Najeebullah Arab, aged 40, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (19/6) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 11 years’ imprisonment.

He is also subject to an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting 20 years, and an indefinite restraining order in relation to his victims.

Arab pleaded guilty to one count of rape, one count of kidnap and two counts of sexual assault at a hearing at the same court on 12 March this year.

He later admitted a further offence of engaging in sexual communication with a child at a hearing on 8 May this year.

On 21 January this year, a woman in her late twenties was approached by Arab on Cane Lane, Grove. He followed her to Main Street, where he sexually assaulted her.

Less than a week later, on 27 January, a woman in her late teens was approached by Arab while he was riding a bicycle on Grove Road. After briefly speaking to her, he sexually assaulted her before taking her to an area behind Mably Way, where he raped her.

Arab was arrested on 30 January and charged the following day.

Arab was previously arrested on 24 June 2024 and charged on 13 November 2024 in connection with an offence of engaging in sexual communication with a child relating to an incident between 30 May 2024 and 1 June 2024. He appeared at Oxford Crown Court on 16 January 2025 where he was released on court bail.

Najeebullah Arab is an Afghan national. He did not self-define his ethnicity when he came into police custody.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart May said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.

“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.

“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.

“Thames Valley Police remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls. 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.”

AP

Najeebullah Arab