Man convicted of rape of 17-year-old girl

A man has been jailed for ten years after a jury found him guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Mohammad Tawfiqi, 22, assaulted the girl two years ago during a gathering at a friend's house - where he forced his way into a bathroom, locked the door and attacked her.

Tawfiqi had told people at the house he was called Papino, according to Warwickshire Police, which issued a public appeal at the time to find him.

A member of the public from Hereford contacted the force to help identify the Iranian national and he was arrested at his place of work.

Officers said he attempted to give them a false name, offering a pre-prepared statement during the police interview to deny any wrongdoing.

He appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday 19 March, where he was found guilty and sentenced on the same day.

The police said a strong case was built due to the bravery of the victim.

Det Con Ella Stewart said: "The victim has shown incredible bravery throughout this process and I want to publicly thank her for all she has done.

"Tawfiqi has shown no remorse for his appalling attack and, though no sentence will take away what happened, we are glad he is off the streets."

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