Asylum Seeker Found Guilty of Park Rape in Nottinghamshire
A 28-year-old asylum seeker has been convicted of raping a young woman who was described as "drunk and obviously vulnerable" during a distressing incident in a Nottinghamshire park. Sheraz Malik was found guilty on two counts of rape following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, with the jury reaching unanimous verdicts after approximately three hours of deliberation.
Trial Details and Verdict
The attack occurred on June 29 last year in Sutton Lawn park, located in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. The victim, who was 18 years old at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons, was subjected to the assault while in a vulnerable state. Malik, who resided at an address on Bath Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield during the time of the offence, claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual, but the jury rejected this defence.
The trial involved a jury of five men and seven women who returned guilty verdicts on two counts of rape, while finding Malik not guilty on a third count. Throughout the proceedings, Malik listened with the assistance of a Pashto interpreter and showed no visible emotion as the verdicts were delivered. He appeared in the dock wearing a white T-shirt and a black Nike jacket.
Background and Reporting Restrictions
It has now been revealed that Malik is an asylum seeker who was born in Pakistan and had previously lived in Italy, Germany, and France before arriving in the United Kingdom. A reporting restriction was imposed at Nottingham Crown Court in September last year, preventing any mention of the defendant's immigration status until the trial concluded. This measure was lifted following the verdicts, allowing for full disclosure of his background.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Judge Simon Ash KC presided over the case and expressed gratitude to the jury for their diligent work, informing them that their duty was complete. The case has been adjourned for a mention hearing scheduled for February 6, during which a date for sentencing will be fixed. Additionally, the judge ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared to assist in determining the appropriate punishment.
This conviction highlights serious concerns about violent crimes in public spaces and the vulnerabilities faced by individuals in such settings. The case has drawn attention to the legal processes involving asylum seekers and the importance of thorough judicial proceedings in ensuring justice for victims.
