A man has been sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to the rape of a stranger in Sheffield. Abiola Tijani, 30, of Cherry Street, Sheffield, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on November 9 for sentencing.
The court heard that in the early hours of Saturday, July 29, Tijani followed the victim as she was walking home. He repeatedly attempted to engage her in conversation, eventually grabbing her and pushing her against railings, where he proceeded to rape her.
As part of his sentence, Tijani will serve eight years and three months in custody, with an additional four years on license. In addition, he was issued a lifetime restraining order, preventing any contact with the victim.
The Judge, while passing the sentence, acknowledged that no punishment could fully undo the harm caused or be deemed sufficient for the gravity of the crime. The Judge stated, “What you did is every woman’s worst nightmare.”
Police Constable Sarah Frith, the officer leading the investigation, praised the victim’s bravery throughout the case and commended her for supporting the prosecution. PC Frith reiterated that South Yorkshire Police takes all reports of rape seriously and hopes that this sentence will provide the victim with the justice she deserves.
