Former Eritrean soldier convicted of rape after remaining in UK post-prison

Radiet Meles arrived in the United Kingdom in 2015 concealed in a lorry and took jobs at a local car wash and an Amazon distribution centre in Newport, South Wales. He was convicted in 2019 of attempted rape of an unconscious woman at a house party and received a five-year prison term, during which a Home Secretary deportation order was anticipated but never issued. After his release, he remained in Newport without immigration monitoring.

In March, police responded to reports of another attack, and a Cardiff Crown Court jury found him guilty of rape and assault. The court heard that the victim was heavily intoxicated and unconscious at the time of the offence. Judge Christopher Vosper warned that Meles had deliberately taken advantage of the victim’s condition. He is now awaiting sentencing, which is expected to result in a substantial custodial period.