Sexual predator jailed for 2015 rape in Leeds

Sexual predator jailed for 2015 rape in Leeds
23 Feb Web Yorkshire
Carl Bennett

By Carl Bennett


Published: 23/02/2022

- 17:09

DNA taken following a second allegation in September 2021 was found to match forensics taken more than six years prior

A man who has evaded arrest for more than six years has finally been sentenced following a rape in Leeds city centre.

Austin Osayande, 40, followed his victim, a 24-year-old woman who was trying to get a taxi after a night out, in August 2015 and was seen in CCTV footage released by West Yorkshire Police carrying her to a secluded doorway next to St John’s shopping centre where he raped her.


Hundreds of hours of security footage was reviewed when the investigation began, with interviews with local business and revellers on the night being taken.

After going through all the footage to determine Osayande’s movement on the night, detectives undertook forensic work but were unable to identify males on the database, but this did not result in him being identified.

In September 2021, a second woman came forward saying she had been sexually assaulted on her way home by a delivery driver, with Osayande quickly being identified as the suspected. He was arrested on the same day, but denied the offence and was released on bail.

Austin Osayande, 40, was sentenced to 16 years in prison
Austin Osayande, 40, was sentenced to 16 years in prison
West Yorkshire Police

Whilst in custody a DNA sample was taken, and once processed it was found to match the 2015 forensics and Osayande was arrested.

He pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court in October 2021, but then admitted both offences in January 2022.

He was sentenced to 16 years at Leeds Crown Court.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs, said: “Osayande is the absolute embodiment of a dangerous sexual predator. The CCTV footage from 2015 shows him prowling the streets in the early hours, hunting for a woman to sexually attack for his own twisted gratification.

“The traumatic impact that his appalling actions have caused to the victims of both these offences cannot be underestimated.

“We commend the bravery, tenacity and patience they have shown, and it is genuinely satisfying that we have finally been able to justify their faith in the police by getting justice for them and their families.

“We explored all possible lines of enquiry at the time of the 2015 attack and in the months and years that followed, but frustratingly we were unable to identify the suspect. We had a DNA profile but there was no match on the national database.

In CCTV footage, Osayande can be seen carrying his 24-year-old victim before taking her to a secluded doorway and raping her
In CCTV footage, Osayande can be seen carrying his 24-year-old victim before taking her to a secluded doorway and raping her
West Yorkshire Police

“Although we had exhausted all avenues, the case was never closed and there was still the hope of a breakthrough one day if the suspect were to be arrested for another offence where his DNA was taken.

“In other investigations in the past, that further offence has often been a victimless low-level crime, but sadly in this case another woman had to suffer at Osayande’s hands for him to be caught. Thankfully, he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison and be unable to hurt anyone else.

“The successful outcome of this case again shows the value of DNA and expert forensic analysis in support of serious crime investigations."

Osayande’s victim from 2015 said: “Since you raped me, I try not to live in a world of fear but find myself feeling uneasy when alone, when its dark, and making my way home. Anyone should be able to do this without being subjected to rape.

“I hope the sentencing you receive today reflects justice for not only myself but for the other victim and victims that may come forward.

“You claim to be sorry for your actions now, you were never sorry because if you were you would have come forward, you never would have repeated such an awful crime many years down the line. The only reason your sorry is because today justice has prevailed and your sorry you were caught.”

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