A RAPIST has been jailed for eight and a half years following a three-day trial at Reading Crown Court last month.

Abdul Khan, 39, of Chatham Place in Reading was originally charged in 2021 for the rape of a teenage girl in 2010.

After the victim reported the offense to Thames Valley Police in 2019, he was finally found unanimously guilty during the trial on July 26 which was held in his absence.

Officer in the case, Detective Constable Nicole Jury of Reading CID, said: “I am delighted that Abdul Khan has finally been brought to justice for raping a teenage girl in Reading in 2010.

“The trial was due to go ahead in December 2022, however Khan was not in the country and so the trial was rearranged for July this year when Khan failed to attend court because he was in Pakistan.

“I am grateful that the judge decided to hold the trial in Khan’s absence, and after deliberation the jury found him unanimously guilty.”

Khan is due to be extradited from Pakistan, where he fled before the trial.

Detective Jury added: “We are currently liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service. However, if anyone has information as to Khan’s whereabouts they can contact the force via our website or 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“I would like to thank the victim who has shown courage and resilience to continue to support the prosecution, despite the delays caused by Khan.

“This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police is relentless in its pursuit and disruption of perpetrators of violence against women and girls. 

“I would encourage anyone who is a victim of crime, or anyone who knows someone who is a victim of crime to contact the police. We will listen and support you.”