Full Breakdown
Migrant Who Avoided Deportation Convicted of Rape Sentenced to 25 Years
5/1/2026, 2:18:56 AM
Sentencing Details
On 30 April 2024, Caernarfon Crown Court sentenced Gift Oladele, a 24-year-old Italian-born Nigerian, to 25 years’ imprisonment for raping a 19-year-old woman in Wrexham. The term includes 17 years in custody, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite restraining order.
Prior Conviction and Deportation Appeal
Oladele was convicted in 2022 of false imprisonment in Manchester and received a two-year sentence. The Home Office ordered his deportation in January 2023, but the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal overturned the order, finding that removal would breach Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights because of his established private life in the UK and the hardship he would face in Nigeria.
Chronology of Legal Proceedings
2022 – False imprisonment conviction, two-year sentence. Jan 2023 – Deportation order. 2023 – Tribunal blocks deportation under Article 8. 30 Apr 2024 – Rape sentencing.
Policy Impact and Official Responses
The Home Office called the case horrific and pledged to tighten immigration rules to speed removal of foreign nationals who commit crimes. The Crown Prosecution Service praised the victim’s cooperation and reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting sexual offences. Judge Simon Mills highlighted Oladele’s threats to record and share the assault, noting the victim required post-exposure prophylaxis.
Criticism and Opposition
Defence lawyer Phil Tully said the pre-sentence report contained errors, argued Oladele showed no premeditation or prior sexual offences, and urged an extended term rather than life imprisonment.
Victim Impact Statement
The victim reported bruising, severe anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts and the need for anti-HIV medication, describing the ordeal as a “living hell” that disrupted her eating and work.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Prosecutors cited Oladele’s long-standing interest in forced sexual abuse and phone concealment, while the defence claimed no premeditation or prior sexual offences. The tribunal’s decision to halt deportation also conflicted with the public-interest rationale cited by Judge Simpson.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This will teach you a lesson not to trust strangers.” — Gift Oladele, during the assault
- “The judge said of the attack: "You threatened to record the events and put it on the internet and threatened to find and harm her if she reported your depraved behaviour to the police.” — Judge Simon Mills, sentencing
- “A Home Office spokesperson said following the rape conviction: "This is an absolutely horrific case, and our thoughts are with the victim of this heinous criminal.” — Home Office spokesperson
- “I was left with bruising” — Victim, impact statement
Future Developments
The Home Secretary has announced reforms to tighten asylum and immigration controls, including faster removal procedures for foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes. Oladele’s licence will be monitored, and the indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order will be reviewed periodically by the court.
