KARSAN RASUL FROM EAST SUSSEX SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND ARSON IN BIRMINGHAM AND HASTINGS

Karsan Rasul, a 23-year-old man originally from St. Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex, has been found guilty of a series of serious criminal offenses that span multiple locations, including Birmingham and Hastings. The conviction follows a disturbing incident that took place at a McDonald's restaurant in Birmingham city centre around 1 am on October 27 of the previous year. During this incident, Rasul forcibly took a woman into a restroom cubicle and subjected her to a sexual assault. Despite her efforts to resist and push him away, Rasul persisted in following her into the lavatory and into the confined space of the cubicle, where he committed the assault. The court was informed that Rasul had initially approached the woman, described as young and intoxicated, initiating conversations that appeared to be flirtatious or predatory. Taking advantage of her drunken state, he then pushed her into the restroom and assaulted her sexually. The victim was later discovered collapsed and visibly distressed inside the bathroom after the attack, highlighting the severity of the incident.

In addition to this recent assault, Rasul has a troubling history of violent and sexually motivated crimes. In September 2021, he was convicted of sexually attacking another woman in a Hastings nightclub, further demonstrating a pattern of predatory behavior. His criminal record also includes incidents of arson, where he deliberately set fires in alleyways, causing significant property damage and posing a danger to the community. These fires were described as dangerous and reckless, adding to the list of offenses that paint a picture of a man with a troubling history of violence and disregard for public safety.

Following the McDonald's assault, Rasul was promptly arrested. During his arrest, he engaged in racially abusive language directed at a police officer and falsely claimed that the woman had consented to the sexual act. His defense team argued that the assault was opportunistic rather than predatory, attributing his actions to immaturity and the trauma he experienced after migrating from Kurdistan. They suggested that his behavior was influenced by personal circumstances rather than malicious intent.

However, the court, presided over by Judge Sarah Buckingham, did not accept these arguments. In her sentencing, she emphasized Rasul’s blatant disrespect towards women and his arrogant attitude. She described his actions as opportunistic and opportunistic, highlighting that he viewed women as inferior and not as equals. The judge sentenced Rasul to a total of 13 years and ten months in prison, with an extended four-year license period, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes. Additionally, Rasul was given a lifetime extended license, underscoring the potential risk he poses to the public.

Judge Buckingham concluded her remarks by condemning Rasul’s attitude, stating: “You may well be a genial young man as described, but you are also arrogant and unwilling to accept responsibility. You have no respect for women at all. You see them as lesser than you,” thereby reinforcing the gravity of his offenses and the need for strict sentencing to protect society.