Police have praised the "tremendous dignity" of a teenage rape victim after an asylum seeker was jailed for 10 years. 

Anicet Mayela was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months following a hearing at Oxford Crown Court today (November 19). 

Mayela will also spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders’ Register and has a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He has also been placed on the barred list preventing him from working with children and vulnerable people.

Mayela previously pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a girl at the same court on April 12.

READ MORE: Oxford asylum seeker jailed for 10 years after raping teenager

Last year, Mayela raped the victim, a girl, in Oxfordshire.

He was arrested on March 12 this year and was charged the following day.

Investigating officer detective constable Leanne Moody, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the victim in this case, as she has displayed tremendous dignity to support our investigation to bring Mayela to justice.

“The victim in this case has shown such bravery in coming forward and speaking up against the person who abused her.

“It is a top priority of Thames Valley Police to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms, and I am pleased that Mayela is now in prison where he belongs.

“Mayela attempted to vacate his guilty plea, and I am pleased that the judge dismissed this request.

“This sentence goes no way in erasing what the survivor has endured, but it means that Mayela is now in prison and will be closely monitored for the rest of his life, which is what he deserves.

Anicet Mayela Anicet Mayela (Image: Thames Valley Police)“If you are a victim, or suspect someone is a victim of crime, please contact Thames Valley Police.

“We have specially trained officers who will always listen and support you.

“You can contact us via our website, or by calling 101, or by visiting a police station.

“You can also obtain information and support via our website.”

After Mayela’s court appearance in April this year, The Sun reported several unsuccessful attempts had previously been made to remove him from the UK before he was given permission to stay in the country.

It is understood the Home Office initially refused Mayela’s asylum claim in 2004 but he successfully challenged the decision in the courts and was eventually granted leave to remain on appeal in 2010.

Mayela, thought to be a former economics student, also appears to have supported protests outside the Campsfield House detention centre, where asylum seekers were being held in custody prior to deportation from Britain, following the death by hanging at the centre of a Turkish man in June 2005.