A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford town centre.

Robel Gebremariam spotted the woman walking in Greyfriars in the early hours of July 6, 2024.

Police say he walked along next to her and then took her to a shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.

He then booked a taxi and took her to the house he was staying in, where he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.

The victim reported what had happened to police shortly afterwards.

An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Gebremariam was identified through intelligence work and CCTV.

Gebremariam, aged 25, of Dudley Street, was found guilty after a four-day trial earlier this year and sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (July 14) to nine years in prison with a one-year extended licence.

Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from RASSO said: “The victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking to officers and played a vital role in ensuring Gebremariam was caught quickly.

“I am glad he will now serve a custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to tackling male violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates how seriously such offences are treated. We continue to encourage victims to report to us - you will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously, as protecting women and girls remains a policing priority for us.”

More information about the local response to male violence against women and girls is available here.