Rapist Receives 23-Year Sentence for Prolonged and Brutal Attack
A violent sexual predator has been handed a substantial prison term following a horrific five-hour ordeal during which he beat, raped, and robbed his victim, even using her phone's facial recognition to steal money. Bo Yang, 41, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court on February 6 to 23 years in custody, with 18 years to be served immediately and five on extended licence.
Details of the Sustained Assault
The court heard how Yang visited the woman's home late on April 15, 2024, at approximately 11pm. An argument about money quickly escalated when Yang produced a knife from his pocket. He forced the woman to stand near a bed before cutting away her clothing with the blade.
Yang then retrieved a metal bar from his bag and subjected the victim to a severe beating. He proceeded to rape and sexually assault her during the prolonged attack. The assailant further restrained the woman using rope and tape, which he wrapped around her head, before slashing her with the knife.
Financial Exploitation and Escape
In a particularly calculated move, Yang stole the victim's cash and bank cards. He then used the facial recognition feature on her mobile phone to access her financial accounts, transferring money directly to his own. The victim eventually managed to escape to her neighbours' property at 3:36am, who immediately contacted the police.
Investigation and Forensic Breakthrough
Lancashire Police conducted a thorough investigation, utilising forensic evidence that included fingerprints lifted from the tape used to bind the victim. CCTV footage later confirmed Yang's identity. In what is believed to be a first for Lancashire courts, officers also used evidence from the Chinese social media application WeChat, which functions similarly to WhatsApp, to help build their case.
Yang, of Winn Grove in Sheffield, was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple offences, including two counts of rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, robbery, and possession of a bladed article. The jury found him guilty on all counts.
Impact on the Victim and Police Response
In a powerful victim impact statement read to the court, the woman described suffering from severe insomnia and recurring nightmares. Her mental and physical health have been profoundly affected by the traumatic experience.
Lancashire Police confirmed that Yang will be subject to deportation as soon as he becomes eligible for release by the Parole Board. The presiding judge specifically commended the work of Detective Constables Jodie Nolan and Asad Mirdad from the Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Team (RASSO) for their dedication in bringing Yang to justice.
DC Nolan stated: "I welcome this significant custodial sentence given today. Yang is an extremely violent sexual predator who exposed his victim to a sustained and horrific ordeal. I would like to again thank the jury for their guilty verdicts and the investigation team, including DC Asad Mirdad, for obtaining the vital evidence which helped secure this conviction."
