A 35-year-old man has been jailed for 13 years following his conviction for three counts of rape committed in Oxford city centre in 2014. Salam Karis was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on 1 May 2026, bringing closure to a case that has remained under investigation by Thames Valley Police for over a decade.
The offences took place on 19 January 2014 on a towpath near Hythe Bridge Street. The victim, who was 19 years old at the time, was visiting friends in the city for a night out when the attack occurred. Although Karis was arrested and charged shortly after the incident, he was released on bail and subsequently fled the country, evading justice for more than ten years.
Police eventually located Karis after reissuing a warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody in July 2025 when he attempted to re-enter the United Kingdom via Kent. Following a trial at Oxford Crown Court, he was found guilty of the charges and received an additional 12-month prison sentence for failing to surrender to bail. The judge presiding over the case noted the devastating impact on the victim and criticised the defendant for attempting to escape the consequences of his crimes.
Detective Sergeant Pete Warne of Oxford CID led the investigation and praised the victim for her courage and resilience in continuing to support the case. In addition to the prison term, Karis has been issued with an indefinite restraining order preventing any contact with the victim and will be placed on the sex offender register for life.
Thames Valley Police continues to remind the public that reports of sexual offences can be made at any time, and that specialised support services are available for those who need them. Information regarding these resources can be found on the force’s website.
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