Man Gets 11 Years For Rape

 Delshad Mohammed, 25, has been jailed for 11 years after being convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl at his flat in Stanley Road, Hastings, in June 2011

Investigations during the summer of 2011 led to Mohammed’s arrest, but he denied rape and claimed he had never met the victim.

Feeling pressured, the victim withdrew her complaint but in March 2012 she approached police again to renew her allegation after deciding it was the right thing to do.

This led to Mohammed being re-arrested in May 2012 on the basis of new evidence. He was forensically linked to the attack and in June 2013, following a protracted investigation, he was formally charged with rape.

Denied

Mohammed continued to deny the offence, only later admitting that he had been with the victim but then claiming the encounter had been consensual.

At Lewes Crown Court on Thursday 8 May Mohammed, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to 11 years in prison by Judge Michael Lawson QC.

Hastings

Chief Inspector Paul Phelps, Hastings district commander, said:

“I would like to pay tribute to the young woman  for her courage in coming forward and for pursuing the complaint.

“We will always make thorough enquiries into any allegation of crime brought to our attention, and would encourage anyone to have confidence in contacting the police whatever their concerns.”