Man admits rape, sexual assaults and kidnapping

A man has pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault and kidnapping after he attacked two women days apart.

Najeebullah Arab was arrested after two women reported being attacked in separate incidents in Wantage and Grove, Oxfordshire, in January.

During a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday, he pleaded guilty to rape, kidnapping and two counts of sexual assault.

The 39-year-old from Grove will be sentenced at a date to be set.

Thames Valley Police said he approached a woman in her late 20s on Cane Lane in Grove on 21 January.

He then followed her to Main Street and sexually assaulted her, the force said.

Days later, on 27 January another woman - in her late teens - was approached by the attacker, who was riding a bicycle on Grove Road in Wantage.

After speaking briefly with her, he sexually assaulted her, and then took her towards an area behind Mably Way, where he raped her, police said.

The force said he was arrested on 30 January and charged two days later.

Investigating officer Det Chf Insp Stuart May praised the women for the "incredible courage" they had shown in coming forward.

"The guilty plea in this case is a clear reflection of the strength and thoroughness of the evidence gathered by our officers in relation to these offences," he said.

"We remain absolutely committed to protecting the public and ensuring offenders like Arab are brought to justice."

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