Ten years for Telford sex attacker

Paul Ahoto, 23 and of no fixed abode, forced himself on his victims and locked one in a room so she could not escape, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

Ahoto, who is originally from Ghana, was given an extended sentence of 10 years, of which nine will be served in prison, yesterday.

He was also told he could be deported once he has served his sentence.

Ahoto had been found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl, groping another woman and of false imprisonment.

Judge Robin Onions told him: "You forced yourself on a girl and, as you so often do, you explain it away by putting the blame on the victim saying she was attracted to you.

"As for the other offence, you simply jumped on this young girl. You locked the door so she couldn't get out.

"It was only through her determination and bravery that she was able to escape."

The attacks took place in the home he lived at in Leegomery, Telford, between September 2010 and November 2011.

The length of the sentence means that Ahoto could be deported upon his release from prison.

Judge Onions said: "The question over your right to remain is now for the relevant Secretary of State.

"But in my view you should be deported at the end of your sentence."

Mr Delroy Henry, for Ahoto, said his client had been receiving treatment for mental problems since his conviction. He said: "There has been a marked improvement in his behaviour.

"He has lost everything because of this. It's his own fault, but it has cost him dear."