POLICE have paid tribute to a rape victim after her abuser was convicted after a trial in Oxford this week.

Khaliz Alshimery, 46, was found guilty of rape, assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault after the incident on November 19 last year.

The student, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was walking home from a night out when Alshimery dragged her into St Clement’s churchyard, off Marston Road, and assaulted her.

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She told Oxford Crown Court the man had then thanked her before allowing her to flee.

Alshimery, who was staying at a Holiday Inn in Blackbird Leys at the time, denied the offences and told police the student had asked him for £50 for sex and everything that happened was consensual.

Oxford Mail: Churchyard at St Clement's Church when the incident allegedly took place

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson of Oxford Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said: “This was a shocking case where the victim was attacked by a total stranger.

“She had every right to feel safe in our city and my belief is she was targeted because she was alone.

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“I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case, as she has displayed tremendous dignity and bravery to support our investigation to bring Alshimery to justice.

Oxford Mail: Khaliz AlshimeryKhaliz Alshimery

“Although cases like this are thankfully extremely rare, we remain resolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls and will always listen to and support victims, and seek to bring offenders to justice."

Alshimery will be sentenced on June 21.