Predator who prowled nightclubs guilty of raping a 17-year-old

A 45-year-old man who raped a 17-year-old after prowling outside nightclubs has been convicted today.

Runakl Shawn Delecia, of Southampton, appeared in front of a jury at Southampton Crown Court for a four-day trial where he was ultimately found guilty of rape.

The assault took place in the early hours of 8 April 2023 in Southampton City Centre.

Delecia was arrested on 21 May 2023 and questioned. He insisted that the sexual encounter was consensual and instigated by the victim. 

However, the Crown Prosecution Service and Hampshire Constabulary worked together to build a strong case which included eyewitness testimony and forensic phone analysis. CCTV captured Delecia walking the victim away from the nightclub area and showed him picking her up as she fell to the floor.

Witnesses also gave evidence accounting for the victim’s intoxication.

Having heard the evidence, the jury convicted Delecia of rape on 27 February 2025.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

John Montague, a Senior District Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Runakl Delecia is a sexual predator and a danger to women.

“He deliberately sought out a vulnerable and intoxicated female in order to commit this rape, afterwards abandoning the victim bleeding and alone”

“I commend the victim for her bravery in this case. She has shown incredible resilience throughout”

“I hope this result goes some way in reassuring victims, survivors, and members of the public that the CPS is committed to achieving justice against those who commit sexual violence.”

Detective Constable Laura Cook, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist rape and serious sexual offences unit Operation Amberstone, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the victim in this case for reporting what happened to her so that we could bring Delecia to justice for what he has done.

“The team of investigators and police officers on this case have worked tirelessly to ensure that Delecia faces the consequences of his actions. Without the courage of the victim throughout the investigation and criminal justice process we would not have secured this guilty verdict today – I sincerely hope it helps her begin to move forward with her life. 

“Rape, sexual offences and domestic violence have a devastating impact on victims who often feel as though they are trapped and cannot seek help. We want you to know that there is support available for you, even if you are not ready to speak to police. Please do not suffer in silence – you can call police or a sexual abuse support service. You will be listened to and you will be supported.”