A woman described herself as “completely” devastated and “truly heartbroken” after being raped at knifepoint by an Oldham youngster.
On Wednesday, July 24, Arselaan Nawaz, 17, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court to face charges of rape, kidnapping, robbery, and threatening someone with a knife. Judge Matthew Corbett-Jones lifted Nawaz’s right to remain anonymous, so the 17-year-old can be identified for his crimes. On November 7, last year, Nawaz rode out from his home at 6.30 am and went to a gym parking lot, where he was captured on CCTV lingering before vanishing.
A woman arrived at the gym in her car and Nawaz appeared, telling her to hand over the keys before pulling out a knife and ordering her to get into the back seat. As he drove, the victim pleaded with Nawaz to let her go but he threatened to kill her if she continued pleading.
After driving to an industrial neighbourhood, Nawaz parked, got into the back seat, and planted a kiss on the victim.
He gave the victim the instruction to take off her clothes so he could rape her and put on a condom.
Then, before he left and went home, he insisted that she unlock her phone and give it to him.
When Nawaz placed his SIM card into her phone at his address, a police officer noticed it. As a result, the police were able to find Nawaz and go to his house, where they discovered two knives.
“You completely broke me”
A victim’s personal statement from the lady who was raped was read aloud to the court by prosecutor Virginia Hayton.
The victim said that she did not know how Nawaz was “still here” and that she was “scared” that she had been freed.
“It haunts me, because I’m reminded of what you did to me every day,” she said.
There is seldom a day that goes by that I don’t consider it. I’m genuinely hurt because you broke me utterly.
“One day, I want to feel secure in both my physical and mental selves. I will have to put up with this forever.”
“Remarkable lady”
Howard Bernstein, the defence attorney, claimed that Nawaz had been physically abused all of his childhood and that using drugs and alcohol had not improved his situation.
He went on to say that even though there was some preparation, Nawaz’s actions had a “air of impulsivity” to them.
Nawaz entered a guilty plea to kidnapping and robbery, but he denied rape and threatening someone with a knife—two charges for which he was ultimately convicted guilty.
Judge Corbett-Jones referred to the victim before sentencing as a “remarkable lady” who is hoping to move on from her ordeal.
He acknowledged that Nawaz had never had a positive role model and that he had gone through “a significant amount of trauma” throughout his life, but he also said that Nawaz’s offences had been the result of “careful planning.”
Nawaz was sentenced to ten years in prison, of which he will serve two thirds behind bars and the remaining four years on license following his release.
In addition, he was permanently added to the Sex Offenders Register.
About The Author
