Rapist jailed after park attack on young woman

A man who raped a vulnerable young woman he met in a Nottinghamshire Park has been jailed.

Sheraz Malik, now aged 28, met the girl on Sutton Lawn, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on the evening of Sunday 29 June 2025.

The victim, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was attacked after she was introduced by a friend to Malik and a group of other older men.

Birmingham Crown Court heard last year how she was first raped by another member of the group, before being led by Malik to a secluded area and raped for a second time.

Malik, a Pakistani national, was identified after the arrest of an initial suspect and was later traced to an address in Newcastle.

After his arrest on 18 July Malik gave no comment answers in two subsequent police interviews including when challenged about damning DNA evidence linking him to the victim.

During his trial he claimed to have had consensual sex with the victim.

The jury, however, rejected his account and in January this year convicted him of two counts of rape. He was cleared of a third count of rape.

Malik appeared at the same venue today (Thursday 11 June ) and was given 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.”