A delivery driver who raped a stranger in a car park after she left hospital has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison. Suleman Mukaish, 27, attacked the vulnerable woman after grabbing her by the arm and leading her to the car park opposite Worthing Hospital.
Arrest at Gatwick Airport
Mukaish was arrested two days later at Gatwick Airport while attempting to board a flight to Pakistan with a one-way ticket. Footage released by Sussex Police shows officers asking to see his passport before arresting him, to which Mukaish replied: 'Why, sir?'
Details of the attack
The court heard the victim attended Worthing Hospital 'intoxicated, confused and unsteady on her feet' on the evening of the attack before leaving. Prosecutor Chetna Patel said the defendant grabbed her by the arm and took her to the car park opposite the hospital. The woman tried to hold onto a wall to stop Mukaish but was forced onto the bonnet of a car and raped. She was left there and found by a member of the public shortly afterward.
Sentencing at Hove Crown Court
Mukaish was jailed for eight years and three months with a further three years on extended licence at Hove Crown Court on Tuesday, June 23. Sentencing, Judge Christine Henson KC said the woman 'was at her most vulnerable when you, a complete stranger, raped her over the bonnet of a car in the car park adjacent to the hospital that she had just left from.' She added: 'The impact psychologically on [her] has been immense.'
Impact on the victim
The court heard the victim feared contracting HIV after the attack and could no longer return to the hospital due to flashbacks of the assault. Hand and fingerprints were found by officers, and the woman identified the car where she was attacked.
Background of the defendant
Mukaish entered the UK on a student visa with graduate leave until 2028 and had no previous convictions, according to Ms Patel. He studied computer science and earned a Master's degree. At the time of the attack, he was working multiple jobs, including as a delivery driver.
Defense and mitigation
In mitigation, the court heard Mukaish came to the UK with good prospects, was highly educated, and hard working. His defense counsel claimed he was working as a delivery driver when he saw the woman in trouble and stopped to help. However, it was clear he 'took advantage of a woman in a very vulnerable position.' Mukaish's account was that she asked for money and he offered it 'essentially on an understanding' he could do what he wanted, which led to the offense. The rapist accepted the woman did not have capacity to consent.
Judge's remarks
Judge Henson told Mukaish the offer of money 'reinforces your attitude of sexual entitlement.' She considered there was a risk of him committing further offences, describing him as 'clearly a highly intelligent person' with no known mental health or substance misuse issues, yet he 'raped a complete stranger.'
Police interview
When interviewed by police, Mukaish prepared a statement strenuously denying the allegation of rape and gave 'no comment' answers during questioning. He later admitted rape at a previous hearing.
