A ROSS-ON-WYE man has been jailed for 16 years after he was found guilty of raping a woman in the town.

Mustafa Ogur, of Brookend Street in Ross, was found guilty following a trial held at Worcester Crown Court.

At this week’s sentence hearing, Ogur was told by the judge that following his custodial term, he will remain on extended licence for a further eight years and be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.

The jury were told that an investigation was launched after a woman was raped near to Three Crosses Road and Springfield Road during the early hours of Sunday, July 21, last year.

The jury were shown CCTV footage which demonstrated how the 24-year-old preyed on potential victims before the attack and heard how witnesses describe how he used Google translate on his phone to tell them ‘I want to make love to you’.

Ogur was arrested and charged with rape and sexual assault four days later when officers entered his home and discovered him in the shower, having shaved his hair in an attempt to change his appearance and evade being recognised as the suspect.

Herefordshire CID Detective Inspector, Ben Pearson, said: “It takes such bravery to first report and then talk about such a horrific experience, and I commend the victim, who has shown incredible strength and courage throughout the investigation and trial.

“I understand that nothing will ever take away the pain and suffering from such an experience.

“I am pleased with the sentencing handed out to Ogur. I’m unsure if a person capable of such an evil crime would reflect on the harm he has caused an innocent person, but I do know Ogur is a dangerous individual who will thankfully no longer be amongst our community for some time.”