A migrant working as an Uber Eats delivery driver has been imprisoned for raping a female customer at her home in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Jitendrakumar Prajapati, 47, appeared at Lincoln Crown Court on March 27, where he admitted to the offence.
The judge handed down a five-year custodial term, which was reduced to three years and eight months following his guilty plea.
Prajapati, who resides at Castle Square, Wyberton West Road, Boston, also received an 18-month concurrent sentence for sexual assault as well as a deportation order.
The court heard how Prajapati’s vulnerable victim had used the delivery service just after lunchtime on January 19.
He then started a conversation with her, where he said that he had just moved to the area and did not know anyone, adding he needed help getting a visa and help to work.
Prajapati then asked for the victim’s Instagram account details and they swapped phone numbers, playing on the good nature of the victim, to be able to keep in touch about helping him with his visa application.
He returned to the property at around 5pm the same day, where they engaged in general conversation for a while before he raped the victim.
After leaving the property, he sent a message to his victim saying: “Hey I am sorry.”
He then changed his WhatsApp username and enabled the”‘disappearing chat after 24 hours” setting on the messaging service.
When the victim confronted him via message, accusing him of rape, Prajapati responded with further apologies and pleaded with her not to inform anyone.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of both rape and non-fatal strangulation, although the latter charge was subsequently dropped at court.
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The victim has been commended by investigators for her bravery in coming forward without delay, which enabled detectives to locate and apprehend the suspect within hours of the offence being committed.
Her prompt action ensured vital evidence could be gathered before Prajapati had any opportunity to evade justice.
Detective Constable Jessica McKiernan, who led the investigation, praised the victim’s courage in speaking out so quickly.
“Bringing this offender to justice was made possible by the extraordinary courage shown by the victim in coming forward at the earliest opportunity,” she said.
DC McKiernan added: “Her trust in us allowed our officers to begin swift and focused inquiries, which led to the suspect being located within hours.
“Her bravery has been vital in ensuring he is now held to account. We hope this outcome offers her some sense of reassurance as she moves forward on her own terms.”
Lincolnshire Police have urged anyone affected by sexual assault to seek support, emphasising help is available through specialist service.
A spokesman for the force said: “If you or anyone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, rape, or any other sexual offence, please report it to us as soon as possible.”
The spokesman continued: “Lincolnshire Police are not responsible for sentencing.
“Policing is part of a broader criminal justice system, and its role is to protect the public, enforce the law, investigate crimes, gather evidence, arrest and detain suspected offenders.
“Police forces help build case files for court and may be involved in the court process, but do not lead on the sentences convicted offenders receive, where they go to prison, or when they are released.”
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