ANTHONY SHIRLEY SENTENCED IN OXFORD FOR RAPE AND DRUG OFFENSES

Anthony Shirley, a 30-year-old man from Oxford, appeared before Oxford Crown Court to face serious criminal charges related to a brutal sexual assault. The court proceedings revealed a disturbing case in which Shirley was convicted of raping a woman and possessing drugs with intent to supply. During the hearing, Shirley displayed a blatant lack of remorse, dismissing the allegations with offensive language, including a dismissive remark of 'F***ing bull****' after denying any involvement in the assault.

The incident itself was deeply traumatic for the victim, who was living at a homeless hostel on Luther Street in Oxford at the time. According to her testimony, Shirley had initially invited her to his flat in Oxford under the pretense of smoking cannabis. Once inside, the situation quickly escalated into a violent assault. The woman recounted that Shirley ignored her repeated attempts to remove his hand from her leg, and despite her protests, he forcibly pinned her to the bed and committed the rape. The trauma inflicted on her was so severe that she later attempted to take her own life through an overdose. Her emotional distress was compounded by the fact that she now finds it difficult to trust men, and she has taken it upon herself to warn her young son about the dangers of sexual assault.

Forensic evidence played a crucial role in Shirley’s conviction. DNA analysis from a discarded condom confirmed his involvement in the assault. Following the attack, Shirley left the flat, leaving the victim in a state of shock and distress. Later that evening, she was found in a nearby field, still visibly shaken and traumatized. Her ordeal highlights the profound emotional and psychological impact such crimes can have on victims.

Further investigations uncovered that Shirley had a history of drug-related activity. Two years prior to the assault, police raided his residence in Bicester, where they discovered cannabis and messages indicating he was involved in the supply of drugs classified as Class B. Shirley subsequently pleaded guilty to charges of rape and possession with intent to supply a controlled substance. The court considered his mental health issues and the time he had spent on bail when determining his sentence. Ultimately, Shirley was sentenced to four years and ten months in prison.

The case underscores the disturbing nature of Shirley’s actions, his apparent lack of remorse, and the significant emotional toll on the victim. It also highlights ongoing concerns about drug-related crimes and their intersection with violent offenses in the Oxford area.