KHALED MERIDJA SENTENCED IN SOUTHAMPTON FOR VIOLENT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE
A man accused of attempting to commit a heinous sexual assault and strangulation during a violent encounter has been sentenced to prison.Khaled Meridja, whose residence is listed as Brampton Road, Oxford, but who has connections to Southampton, was found guilty of multiple serious charges following a lengthy trial at Oxford Crown Court.
Meridja, aged 29, faced allegations including attempted rape, assault causing actual bodily harm, and two counts of sexual assault.
Despite denying these charges throughout the proceedings, the jury deliberated for over four hours before reaching a unanimous verdict of guilt on all counts in August.
During the sentencing hearing held at the same court, Meridja’s defense lawyer stated that his client continues to stand by his instructions, despite the conviction.
The court was informed that Meridja still maintains his stance, even as he faces the consequences of his actions.
Prosecutor Sally Hobson provided details of the attack, which began after a night out in Oxford.
The victim, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, was out with a friend on October 21 of the previous year.
The evening included visits to Euro Bar and JT’s Cocktail Bar & Club.
It was during the early hours of the following morning that the victim and her friend encountered Meridja, whom neither had met before and did not know.
The assault took place at Meridja’s residence, where the victim was subjected to a terrifying ordeal.
She described her experience as feeling like she was 'going to die.' According to her testimony, Meridja was grabbing her breasts and she demanded he stop, saying, “what the hell are you doing get off me.” She recounted that he then pushed her against a wall and began strangling her so tightly that she could not breathe.
The victim explained her panic, saying, “He was just strangling me and I didn’t know what to do.” She further revealed that she fought to free herself during the attack, during which Meridja sexually touched her and attempted to pull down her trousers.
Her account conveyed a sense of terror, as she stated, “I just thought I was going to die.” The court heard that this assault had a lasting impact on her, with her describing how she now suffers from sleep difficulties as a direct result of the trauma she endured.
In mitigation, defense barrister Graeme Logan emphasized that Meridja “stands by his instructions” given during the trial.
He acknowledged, however, that his client understands he must face sentencing.
It was also disclosed that Meridja had entered the UK illegally, initially fleeing Algeria in a lorry and traveling through France before arriving in the country.
Judge Maria Lamb described the incident as a “determined attempt” to commit rape.
She emphasized that the attack only ended because the victim managed to escape, not because Meridja ceased his assault.
The judge noted that the victim fell down the stairs during her attempt to flee and was subsequently helped by a bus driver, who took her to St Aldate’s.
The judge praised the bus driver’s responsible and public-spirited action in assisting a young woman in distress.
As a result of his conviction, Meridja was sentenced to a total of seven and a half years in prison.
Additionally, he is required to sign the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the court’s stance on protecting the public from such dangerous individuals.
