Man receives decade-long prison term for rape of 15-year-old girl

A man has received a 10-year prison sentence for raping a 15-year-old girl while intoxicated, an act that resulted in the victim’s pregnancy. Anicet Mayela, aged 41, admitted guilt to one charge of rape at Oxford Crown Court in April of the current year; however, he has subsequently declared his innocence. He had previously sought to withdraw his initial plea, but this request was denied by a judge in September. Judge Maria Lamb informed the defendant that he had perpetrated “a terrible offence” during the sentencing on Tuesday. Mayela, who previously resided in Oxford, assaulted the girl while inebriated in December 2023. On Tuesday, he was imprisoned for 10 years and 10 months and was also made subject to a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Delivering her judgment, Judge Lamb stated: “For her, it was her first sexual experience, and the misery that you caused to that child who became pregnant as a result must have been extreme.” She continued: “You continued to deny your offence. Your sentence will be no longer for that, but you don’t have the benefit of remorse, and she doesn’t have the support and assistance of knowing that you acknowledge your guilt.” Judge Lamb, remarking on the victim impact statement, further noted: “She is a remarkable young woman who, despite everything that has happened to her and everything that you did to her, has found it possible to forgive you.” Edward Lucas, acting for the prosecution, informed the judge that the adolescent victim underwent an abortion in the months subsequent to the rape. Mayela was initially questioned by law enforcement on March 13 of the current year, at which time he provided “full admissions, but denied using any force on the complainant”. The Congolese national was present in the courtroom, attired in a grey prisoner’s tracksuit, and received assistance from a French interpreter throughout the proceedings. A number of family members observed from the public gallery during his sentencing. The 41-year-old individual was granted asylum in the UK in 2010, subsequent to multiple unsuccessful efforts to deport him. Readers can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.