Man jailed for nine years for 'violently' raping Ukrainian refugee in Neston park

A "predator" has been jailed for "violently" raping a Ukrainian woman who had fled the Russian war.

Jwamer Saygul, of Ringway, in Neston, raped the woman in a park in the town in October 2022, after meeting her on a bus in Chester.

Saygul, 24, said he was keen to get to know the woman and arranged to meet her in Neston, on the Wirral.

They went to a park and he tried to initiate sexual contact, but when she rejected him he grabbed her by the neck, threw her to the floor and raped her.

She managed to escape her attacker and rang a friend who called the police.

Saygul was arrested, but told officers that the incident was consensual and initiated by the victim.

When he appeared at Chester Crown Court he pleaded not guilty to rape but, following his trial a jury returned a guilty verdict, and he was sentenced to nine years in prison.

He has also been placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for life.

Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah Egan, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "The victim had fled the ongoing war and atrocities in her home country, and came to the UK, expecting to find refuge.

"Instead, she was forced to endure unwanted sexual advances from Saygul, which culminated in him attacking her violently, and raping her.

"We are a nation that aims to welcome those who seek refuge and it is unconscionable that this happens to anyone, let alone someone who is in such a potentially vulnerable position.

"This is not the first time Saygul has been convicted of a sexual offence. He is a predator, who thinks he can do whatever he wants, with no regard for anyone, especially women.

"He has shown absolutely no remorse."