A SUSPECTED rapist is behind the Oxford Mail’s Badvent Calendar window today.

Sampson Makhinde, of Cowley Road, Oxford, is wanted following the rape of a 22-year-old woman in Cornmarket Street in December 2009.

Police hope to bring whoever has committed the crime to justice soon so the victim can move on with her life.

The 32-year-old is one of 24 suspected criminals police want to speak to in the run-up to Christmas and each day the Oxford Mail is unveiling another wanted individual.

Makhinde was arrested shortly after the rape and bailed to appear at St Aldate’s police station in February this year.

However, he failed to answer to his bail and now officers are trying to find him.

No-one has seen or heard of him for 11 months.

Dc Matthew Welsh said: “Officers have been trying to trace Makhinde since he failed to answer his bail back in February.

“We believe Makhinde is still living in the Oxfordshire area and I would urge anyone who may have seen him, or who knows of his whereabouts, to come forward and speak to us as soon as possible.

“The nature of the offence he is alleged to have committed is very serious and if Makhinde is out there reading this right now, I would advise him to go into his nearest police station and speak with an officer or contact me.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc Welsh on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.