A convicted rapist has been jailed for 12 years after attacking two women in Wales and England, with police now releasing his photo and warning the public he poses a serious danger to women.
Gwent Police have named the man as Olukanyinsola Odebode, 30, who carried out a rape and a separate sexual assault while he was already on bail. Officers say they want the public to be aware of who he is, given the serious nature of his offending.
Odebode was handed the 12-year sentence after being convicted of both offences, which took place across Wales and England. The fact he committed the attacks while on bail for another matter was seen as a significant aggravating factor when it came to sentencing.
Detectives from Gwent Police described Odebode as a danger to women, and the release of his mugshot is part of efforts to make sure communities on both sides of the border are aware of his history.
Cases like this raise serious questions about bail conditions and how effectively they protect potential victims when someone is already under investigation for serious offences. Campaigners have long argued that courts need to take a harder look at granting bail to those accused of violent or sexual crimes.
Gwent Police have not released full details of where the individual attacks took place, but confirmed the offending spanned both Wales and England. The force said they were satisfied that justice had been served with the sentencing, but felt a public warning was still necessary given the risk Odebode represents.
The 12-year sentence means Odebode will spend a significant portion of his 30s in prison, though campaigners and victims advocates will be watching closely to ensure proper safeguards are in place when he is eventually considered for release.