AUSTIN OSAYANDE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN LEEDS FOR MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENSES
A man named Austin Osayande has been sentenced to life imprisonment after sexually assaulting two women in Leeds and revealing he was HIV positive during one of the attacks.The first victim, then 24 years old, was walking to catch a taxi in Leeds city centre in August 2015 when she was identified and attacked by Osayande.
He carried her to a secluded area and forcibly raped her, then humorously or menacingly told her he was HIV positive, an act that left her feeling deeply traumatized.
Police released CCTV footage in hopes of catching the perpetrator, but Osayande was not detained until later.
Osayande, now 40 and residing on Sissons Road, Leeds, pleaded guilty to one count each of rape and sexual assault.
He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court to life in prison with a minimum term of 16 years.
The judge described him as a "sexual predator" and a significant threat to women.
During the court hearing, the rape survivor addressed Osayande directly, saying the attack had severely impacted her mental health, leading to drinking, self-harm, and suicide attempts.
She described the revelation of him being HIV positive as "mentally and physically harrowing" and stated, "I have endured so much pain over the years that I will never overcome the torture you put me through.
No matter how much therapy I have, it will never fully take it away.
You had intentions that night to ruin someone's life and that life was mine." Prosecutor Christine Egerton recounted that the woman was simply trying to go home when Osayande approached her along Kirkgate.
He lifted her into his arms and carried her to a nearby alleyway on Mark Lane, where he forced himself on her.
Despite her screams, he told her it "wouldn't take long." After assaulting her, he released her and laughed, then said he was HIV positive.
Forensics linked Osayande to the first attack through DNA evidence, but the case went unsolved for over six years.
The breakthrough came when Osayande sexually assaulted a second woman in her home on September 10, 2021.
At that time, he was working as a Hermes delivery driver and knew her from previous deliveries.
He had left a parcel at her house and had mentioned he would visit her later for coffee.
He returned and, after a brief chat, assaulted her, with her attempting to push him off, but being unable due to his size.
The second victim said the experience left her as "an emotional wreck," expressing doubts about being able to trust or be close to anyone again and blaming herself for her choices.
In mitigation, lawyer Robert Mochrie acknowledged Osayande’s remorse, stating, "He does wish to express his genuine remorse for both sets of offending.
There is no explanation for what he has done, but he accepts that what he has done is very, very wrong indeed." Judge Guy Kearl QC, the Recorder of Leeds, emphasized the danger Osayande posed, concluding, "You are a danger to women, whether known to you or strangers in situations where you can get them alone and then force yourself on them.
This danger has continued for at least six years.
There is no reason to think it will not continue." The judge ordered that Osayande serve at least nine years and six months before being eligible for parole, and that he remain on life license for the remainder of his life.
After sentencing, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Pat Twiggs described Osayande as "the absolute embodiment of a dangerous sexual predator." He added that Osayande’s crimes had caused significant trauma and expressed concern that there may be other victims who have not yet come forward, urging anyone affected to contact police.
