Oldham teenager kidnapped and raped woman at knifepoint

Arselaan Nawaz, 17, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday (July 24) to be sentenced for rape, kidnap, robbery and threatening a person with a knife.

Despite being under the age of 18, Judge Matthew Corbett-Jones lifted Nawaz's right to anonymity and the teenager can be identified for his crimes.

On November 7 last year, Nawaz left his home at 6.30am and cycled to a gym car park, where he was seen on CCTV footage loitering before disappearing.

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.

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Nawaz drove to an industrial estate before parking the car, getting into the back seat and kissing the victim.

He ordered the victim to remove her clothes as he put on a condom and raped her.

Afterwards, he demanded she unlock her phone and give it to him, before he left and returned home.

Nawaz put his sim card into her phone back at his address, however, this was picked up by a police officer, which allowed police to locate Nawaz and arrive at his home, where they found two knives.

"You completely broke me"

Prosecutor Virginia Hayton read out a victim personal statement from the woman who was raped to the court.

The victim wrote how she was "scared" of Nawaz being released and that she did not know how she was "still here".

She said: "Every day, I'm reminded of what you did to me and it haunts me.

"I always think about it, there's never a day I don't. You completely broke me and I'm truly heartbroken.

"I hope that one day I will feel safe in my own body and in my own mind. I will always have to live with this."

"Remarkable lady"

Defending, Howard Bernstein said Nawaz had suffered physical abuse throughout his life and that exposure to drugs and alcohol had not helped him.

He added that although there was some planning involved, he argued there was an "air of impulsivity" in Nawaz's actions.

Nawaz had pleaded guilty to kidnap and robbery, however, he denied the rape and threatening a person with a knife, both of which he was found guilty of following a trial.

When sentencing, Judge Corbett-Jones described the victim as a "remarkable lady" who is looking to continue her life despite the trauma she is suffering.

He accepted that Nawaz experienced a "significant amount of trauma" during his life and that he had never had a positive role model, however, he stated that "careful planning" was involved in Nawaz's offending.

He sentenced Nawaz to 10 years in prison, two thirds of which he will serve in prison, plus another four years of licence once he is released.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

How to get help

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. You can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, on our website, or 999 in an emergency.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.