Darwen Man Jailed for Rape
Blackburn man has been jailed after a disgusting attack
A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman at a property in Darwen last summer.
Imran Ayyaz, 29, formerly of Lynwood Road in Blackburn, was convicted by a jury at Preston Crown Court on Friday (April 11).
He returned to court the following day for sentencing and was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
The incident occurred on July 30, 2023, when the victim awoke to find Ayyaz assaulting her.
Despite repeatedly telling him to stop, the attack only ceased when she screamed.
Ayyaz was arrested the next day. During police interviews, he provided a pre-prepared statement denying any wrongdoing and declined to answer further questions.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Ayyaz was charged with rape. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but the jury found him guilty.
Detective Constable Alyson Richards of Lancashire Constabulary praised the victim’s courage and expressed hope that the outcome would inspire other survivors to come forward.
She said: “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 and continued to lie during his police interview and throughout the trial,” said DC Richards. “The jury saw through those lies and delivered a guilty verdict.
“I 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.”
She added: “I 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.”