Homeless Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Raping Woman Who Tried to Help Him

Malcolm Plaisted, 35, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 11 years in prison yesterday (March 30) at Oxford Crown Court for raping a woman who had tried to help him. He will be on licence for six years after his release.

Plaisted initially pleaded not guilty to one count of rape and one count of possession of a knife in a public place, but changed his plea to guilty on March 9. The attack occurred on November 12 last year, when Plaisted knocked on his victim's door in Oxford, asking for a cigarette and a coffee as he had been out all night.

After welcoming him into her home, Plaisted dragged the woman onto a bed and raped her, despite her repeated pleas for him to stop. He was arrested and charged the next day (November 13) and remanded in custody.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ellie Middlemass of Oxford CID said, "This was an incredibly harrowing case to investigate due to its violent nature and the fact that a vulnerable woman was harmed in her own home. Her home was a place that she had every reason to feel safe. She let Plaisted in to her address to make him a cup of coffee, and Plaisted embarked on a horrific attack."

"Despite the victim suffering significantly as a result of this incident, she has supported the investigation throughout and she should be highly commended for the bravery and resilience she has shown. Plaisted has been given an extended prison sentence and he is a very dangerous offender. He will also be on the sex offenders' register indefinitely."

Thames Valley Police stated, "We are absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Plaisted will serve a substantial prison sentence as a result of his abhorrent behaviour, and we hope that this conviction and sentence will serve as some solace to his victim."