Sheraz Malik Jailed 10 Years for Nottinghamshire Park Rape of 18-Year-Old Woman
Sheraz Malik, aged 28, has received a 10-year custodial sentence, followed by four years on extended licence, for the rape of a vulnerable 18-year-old woman. The attack occurred on 29 June last year in Sutton Lawn park, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. Malik was convicted by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court in January on two counts of rape, having maintained the sexual act was consensual.
Judge Simon Ash KC, presiding over the sentencing, noted Malik’s assault on a "particularly vulnerable" individual, who was heavily intoxicated and abandoned in a park at night with unfamiliar men. The court heard Malik repeatedly called the victim "a slut" after the attack and struck her face and head when she resisted. The judge described Malik’s statements to the victim as amounting to "additional degradation and humiliation."
The trial revealed Malik, originally from Pakistan, had lived in France, Germany, and Italy before arriving in the UK less than 12 months before the incident. His asylum case remains unconsidered. A reporting restriction had previously prevented disclosure of his immigration status until the trial concluded.
During the incident, the victim, who had been drinking with a friend, met Malik and a group of other men. Her friend reportedly asked Malik’s associates to "look after" her. She was subsequently taken to a secluded area of the park by one man, who raped her, before Malik took her to another isolated spot and assaulted her, striking her physically.
Malik denied hitting the woman and claimed he was playing cricket and smoking cannabis. Judge Ash stated that Malik posed "a significant risk" to the public, having shown no remorse or responsibility for his actions. A pre-sentence report indicated Malik displayed "distorted thinking" regarding consent and the objectification of women, showing hostility rather than empathy towards the victim.
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed the investigation is ongoing to locate and apprehend the second suspect involved in the attack. Detective Inspector Nicole Milner commended the victim’s courage and resilience throughout the investigation and legal process.
