A man who raped a vulnerable young woman he met in a park has been jailed. Sheraz Malik attacked the 18-year-old victim at Sutton Lawn Park in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, in June 2025.
The victim had been introduced to Malik and a group of older men by a friend. Birmingham Crown Court heard that she was first raped by another member of the group, then led by Malik to a secluded area where she was raped again.
Malik, a 28-year-old Pakistani national, was identified after the arrest of an initial suspect and traced to an address in Newcastle. He was arrested on July 18 and gave no comment in two police interviews, even when challenged about DNA evidence linking him to the victim.
During his trial, Malik claimed the sex was consensual, but the jury rejected his account and convicted him of two counts of rape. He was cleared of a third count.
On Thursday, June 11, Malik received an extended 14-year sentence: 10 years in custody and four on extended licence.
Detective Inspector Nicole Milner said: “This remains a complex and demanding investigation, and one that continues to be a priority for Nottinghamshire Police as we pursue our enquiries to locate and arrest a further suspect.
“Above all, my thoughts are with the victim, whose courage, resilience and bravery have been evident throughout both the investigation and the criminal justice process.
“Sheraz Malik has today received a significant custodial sentence, reflecting the seriousness of his offending and the profound impact of his actions on the victim.
“I hope this sentence brings the victim a sense of justice and reassurance that Malik no longer poses a threat to our community.”
