Boston Uber Eats driver jailed after rape of customer

A food delivery driver has been jailed after raping a customer in Boston. Jitendrakumar Prajapati, 30, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to three years and nine months in prison after admitting rape and sexual assault. He was also ordered to remain on the sex offenders register for life. The court heard the offences followed a food delivery in Boston on 19 January. Lincolnshire Police said Prajapati began speaking to the woman when he arrived with her order. Officers said he then made further contact after the delivery. He later returned to the address that day, where the rape and sexual assault took place, the court was told. The woman reported the offence to police that evening and Prajapati was arrested soon afterwards. The case was later heard at Lincoln Crown Court, where Prajapati pleaded guilty to both offences before being sentenced on Friday. Detective Constable Holly Allsop, of Lincolnshire Police, said: "The victim in this case showed courage in reporting what happened to her and supporting the investigation. "We know that offences of this nature can have a profound and lasting impact on victims, and we hope this outcome offers some measure of justice." Police said Prajapati had originally been arrested on suspicion of rape and non-fatal strangulation, but the latter allegation did not proceed in court. The force said the prosecution case included messages sent after the incident, but detailed evidence was not repeated during sentencing. The case is likely to cause concern in Lincolnshire because it involved a service many people use in everyday life. It also serves as a reminder that serious offences can take place in ordinary settings. Support is available for anyone affected by sexual violence through specialist organisations including Rape Crisis, Victim Support and the Survivors Trust. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. In England and Wales, complainants in rape and sexual assault cases are entitled to lifelong anonymity under the law. The Lincoln Post is therefore not identifying the victim and is withholding further personal and contextual details. Prajapati's sentence means he will serve time in custody subject to the usual release arrangements. His guilty pleas were entered in the Crown Court and the case has now concluded. The offence of rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Sentencing in individual cases depends on a range of factors considered by the court, including the nature of the offence, the harm caused and any mitigation put forward on behalf of the defendant. This case was reported from court proceedings and statements issued after sentencing.