Rapist who preyed on woman he met at nightclub jailed for eight years
The attack took place in Hereford city centre in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May this year
A rapist who preyed on a woman he met in a nightclub has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment.
Twana Azize, 29, of College Road, Hereford, was sentenced for the attack which took place in Hereford city centre in the early hours of a Sunday morning in May this year. He met his victim in a nightclub in the city.
Azize was found guilty of rape at Worcester Crown Court on the 22nd of August. He has now been sentenced to eight years and further ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
The court heard how Azize took advantage of the woman, isolating her from friends at the club before preventing her from getting a taxi home. He then led her away from the taxi rank and raped her in a secluded street away from members of the public.
The victim managed to get a taxi home and reported the incident. Azize was then arrested following a CCTV trawl and subsequent searches by police.
Despite denying the offences, forensic examination of his clothes supported evidence leading to the charge.
Detective Constable James Smith of Hereford Reactive CID said: “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.
“We know the sentencing will not remove the memory of this awful incident for his victim, but we hope it may help her to start to move on in her life.
“We hope today’s result shows we will always listen to anyone who has concerns about or has been a victim of rape or sexual abuse and prosecute where appropriate, and that it may encourage anyone who has suffered similar abuse to come forward and speak to us.
“We will always take your concerns seriously and protect you from predators like Azize.”
You can report sexual offences and rape on the police website.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.