Leicester rapist who claimed to have helped woman jailed

A rapist who “exploited” his victim after she claimed he tried to take her to a safe place has been jailed.

Jagdeep Singh, of Gaul Street, Leicester, approached a 21-year-old woman who was feeling unwell while waiting for a taxi after a night of drinking in the early hours of January 12.

The woman was reported missing later that morning before she contacted her parents and told them she had been raped by a man in an apartment, police said.

Singh, 35, initially denied raping her but pleaded guilty to the charge on the second day of his trial on July 9 and was later sentenced to eight years in prison.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register for life.

Leicestershire Police said Singh “took advantage” of the woman as she waited for a taxi on Western Road in Leicester and became unwell.

She had called the emergency services and during the call Singh came up to her and offered her his help.

The caller overheard the conversation and then called the police.

Officers were sent to the scene, but were unable to locate the victim and conducted investigations at her home.

Her parents became worried and reported her missing because they could not make contact.

Later that morning, the victim contacted her parents and was able to describe her whereabouts, whereupon officers arrested Singh.

Police said he denied forcing his victim to perform sexual acts, saying it was consensual and that he helped her by taking her to a safe place.

Investigating officer Det Con Jon Mulvany said: “(Singh) exploited a vulnerable person for his own gratification.”

“The victim was in no condition to consent to anything and was visibly distressed when he encountered her on the street.”

He added that police were pleased that the victim had been spared the “agony of having to relive what happened to her in court” and praised her “tremendous courage” throughout the case.