Man convicted of raping woman he befriended outside Walsall town centre pub

West Midlands Police said rapist Ben Johnson, aged 33, met the woman and her friend outside a public house in Walsall town centre on June 24 last year.

The force said he offered to give the women a lift home, but instead took them back to his house. After one of the women went into another room, the defendant raped the other woman.

It said the women immediately left the property in a taxi when the friend realised what had happened.

They reported the incident resulting in a warrant being executed at Johnson’s address a couple of days later and he was arrested on suspicion of rape.

Despite claiming that it was consensual a jury at Wolverhampton Crown Court last week found him  guilty of raping her and he was warned by the trial judge to expect a lengthy sentence.

Dc Kelly Webber, of the force's Public Protection Unit, said: “Women and girls deserve to feel safe walking the streets. Johnson showed predatory behaviour, with her vulnerabilities being obvious to him at the time.

"Rather than take a vulnerable girl home or to safety, he abused her vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification with no regard for her wellbeing.

“If you have been subjected to rape or sexual abuse, we are here for you. We will always ensure you get the support you need and work tirelessly to put offenders like Johnson behind bars.“I would like to commend the young woman for her bravery. She has been exceptional and shown real courage, strength and bravery.”