Muhib Uddin attacked and raped a 19-year-old woman in an alleyway off of Clarendon Road in Southsea at around 10pm on Saturday, August 29, 2020. The victim did not know her attacker.

Muhib Uddin, 31, of Newcomen Road, was jailed for six years at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday (January 13) after pleading guilty to raping a 19-year-old woman in an alleyway off of Clarendon Road in Southsea.

The attack happened around 10pm on Saturday, August 29, 2020. The victim did not know her attacker.

In a statement, senior investigating officer, detective inspector Emma Crute, commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting what had happened.

"We are pleased that the victim has found justice now that Uddin is behind bars," she said. "I hope the outcome of this case reassures members of the public that we take allegations of this type of offense extremely seriously, and will do everything in our power to bring offenders before the courts.

"This has understandably been a traumatic time for the victim who has been supported by specialist officers at every stage of our investigation. I would like to commend her for her bravery and courage in coming forward and reporting what happened. I hope that today's sentence will give her some closure and help her to begin moving forward in her life."

Portsmouth chief inspector Robert Mitchell, of Hampshire Constabulary, added: "The officers involved in this case have worked extremely hard to bring the investigation to the point we have reached today. I would like to thank them for their dedication to securing this outcome for the victim.

"Stranger assaults of this nature are rare, and I hope the community feels reassured that when we receive these sorts of allegations, we will take them seriously and do everything in our power to bring those responsible to justice.

"We work very hard in Portsmouth to tackle sexual offenses in partnership with organizations that support survivors. We want you to have the confidence to come forward and talk to us if something has happened to you, or somebody you know."

Police have encouraged anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offense to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, and speak with an officer in confidence. To find out more about the support available to victims of sexual offenses, follow the link here.