“When she hears a car pulling up she is concerned it is him."
Alcoholic Mohammed Shafiq, aged 41, of Accrington, has been jailed for 11 years for raping and threatening to kill his victim while holding a knife.
Preston Crown Court heard he also physically assaulted the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons and subjected her to verbal abuse.
The prosecutor, Francis McEntee, revealed that the ordeal had a significant impact on the victim, summarising her impact statement:
“As a consequence of the defendant’s actions, she is extremely frightened.
“She struggles to sleep at night if she hears noises.
“She struggles with anxiety and loss of appetite. She is trying to get help with that problem. She feels isolated because she is afraid to go out.
“When she hears a car pulling up she is concerned it is him.
“It has affected her physically.
“She has frequent headaches and struggles with fatigue. She describes herself as not being the person she once was.”
Shafiq had always denied the charges but following a trial at Burnley Crown Court in early 2020, he was convicted of rape, making threats to kill, sexual assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Judge Sara Dodd said it was clear that Shafiq’s offending had a massive impact on his victim.
She told the alcoholic:
“You are now 41. At the time of these incidents, you were a fit and healthy man, a physically strong man.”
“Your addiction to alcohol has caused various issues to you of late. It seems today you are less frail than you were at the trial.
“I am aware the period of incarceration will cause some difficulties for you.”
Lancashire Telegraph reported that Shafiq was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
After the sentencing hearing, lead investigator Sergeant Kirsty Stoddard said:
“I am pleased with the sentence and it sends a clear message that Lancashire Constabulary and the courts will not tolerate this despicable behaviour.
“I would like to praise the victim in this case for the bravery she displayed first of all in coming forward and then while giving evidence in the trial.
“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence to come forward with the confidence that we will investigate with sensitivity and professionalism.”
In another horrific incident, an illegal immigrant raped a young woman three times in a Leicester park.
The attack had a huge effect on her family relationships and her career. She did not attend the hearing, but her mother was in the public gallery.
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