SHAMAL HUSSAIN

BRADFORD OFFENDER SENTENCED FOR TERRIFYING ASSAULT ON WOMAN

A severely assaultive man, considered to pose a significant risk of serious harm especially towards women, has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a traumatic attack on a vulnerable woman in a flat in Bradford.

Shamal Hussain, 35, suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, forced his way into the woman's flat and punched her multiple times in the face before pulling down her trousers and underwear.

Fearing he might commit rape, the woman fought back, but Hussain hit her again when she attempted to escape the lockable flat.

Bradford Crown Court told that the woman, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, ultimately managed to open the door and fled, found nearby with bleeding injuries.

Prosecutor Chloe Hudson reported she was taken to hospital where she sustained a broken eye socket and large facial bruises.

Hussain, who uses crack cocaine and Spice and has no fixed address, had earlier admitted to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

The judge, Richard Mansell QC, the Recorder of Bradford, classified him as a dangerous offender and sentenced him to serve two-thirds of a four-year prison sentence before eligibility for parole, plus a further five years on licence for continued risk.

The court rejected the option of a hospital order, notwithstanding Hussain’s mental health condition, stressing that he had deliberately targeted an innocent woman and subjected her to a violent beating.

An indefinitely enforced restraining order was also issued to keep him away from the victim in the future.