Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 16th April 2025 at 15:10hrs
A 29-year-old man, Imran Ayyaz, formerly of Lynwood Road, Blackburn, has been jailed for seven years after being found guilty of rape.
The sentence was handed down yesterday at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard that on July 30th, 2023, the victim awoke to find Ayyaz raping her at a property in Darwen. Despite the victim repeatedly telling Ayyaz to stop and eventually screaming, he only ceased his attack after her outcry.
Ayyaz was arrested the following day. During his police interview, he provided a pre-prepared statement denying any wrongdoing and subsequently refused to answer further questions from investigating officers.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Ayyaz was charged with rape. He maintained his denial of the offence throughout the trial at Preston Crown Court. However, a jury found him guilty last Friday.
Lancashire Police commented on the case, stating:
“Imran Ayyaz is a dangerous individual who took advantage of his victim while she was in an extremely vulnerable state.
He knew she was not consenting to what he was doing and continued his lies during his police interview and throughout the trial. The jury saw through those lies and delivered a guilty verdict.”
The police also took the opportunity to commend the victim for her courage.
“[We] want to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her bravery throughout this process and for trusting the police to hold the man who raped her to account and put him before the courts,” the force added.
In addition to the seven-year custodial sentence, Ayyaz, who is now of no fixed address, was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Authorities hope that the outcome of this case will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward.
“We hope the outcome of this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward, confident that you will be believed and listened to, and that we will do everything in our powers to put the perpetrator before the courts,” the police stated.
Anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence, or knows someone who has, is urged to report it online via https://orlo.uk/8iFZ3 or by calling 101. In the event of a crime in progress, always call 999.
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