November 19th 2024.
Anicet Mayela, a man from the Republic of Congo, was given the right to remain in the UK after facing multiple attempts at deportation. However, despite being allowed to stay, Mayela's actions have landed him in jail for over 10 years. The 41-year-old asylum seeker was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in December of last year while under the influence of alcohol.
According to the judge presiding over the case at Oxford Crown Court, Mayela had previously been set to be deported in 2005, but his deportation was blocked by "do-gooder" cabin crew members on an Air France flight after learning of his destination. Despite pleading guilty to the rape charge, Mayela continued to maintain his innocence and even attempted to retract his plea, a request that was denied by the judge.
Today, Judge Maria Lamb sentenced Mayela to 10 years and 10 months in prison, stating that he had committed a "terrible offence" against the teenage victim. Mayela had made full admissions to the police earlier this year, but continued to deny using any force on the victim. The judge also noted that the victim had an abortion in the months following the rape.
In her remarks, Judge Lamb expressed sympathy for the victim, describing her as a "remarkable young woman" who has been able to forgive Mayela despite the trauma he caused her. She also commented on the lack of remorse shown by the defendant, stating that it was unfortunate that the victim did not have the support of knowing he had accepted responsibility for his actions.
Mayela's family members were present in the courtroom as he was sentenced. It was revealed that the Home Office initially rejected his asylum claim in 2004, but he successfully appealed the decision and was granted leave to remain in the UK in 2010. However, an earlier attempt at deportation failed when Mayela claimed to have been injured while in an isolation cell at an immigration removal center.
In a turn of events, Mayela's flight was blocked by the Home Office after his lawyers argued that his deportation would violate his human rights. Police also launched an investigation into the injuries he claimed to have sustained during the deportation attempt. Later, Mayela was photographed protesting outside the center where he was first held, holding a sign that read "Migrants are not criminals."
In an interview with the BBC, Mayela explained that he was there to support his friends, as he had previously been held at the same center and another immigration removal center. He will now have to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for release on licence. Additionally, he has been made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
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