ASYLUM SEEKER CONVICTED OF RAPE IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE PARK
A trial at Birmingham Crown Court heard that Sheraz Malik, an asylum seeker born in Pakistan and having lived in Italy, Germany, and France before coming to the UK, was convicted by a jury of two counts of raping an 18-year-old woman in Sutton Lawn park in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.The woman, who had been drinking and was found to be vulnerable, had initially been with a male friend at the park.
Malik claimed the sex was consensual but was found guilty after the jury's unanimous verdicts, with a not guilty on a third count.
He was remanded into custody, with sentencing scheduled for 6 February, after a pre-sentence report for dangerousness.
The case had prompted protests in the town after Malik's background was highlighted by a MP, Lee Anderson.
Malik gave evidence in English, denying the assault and claiming he had been playing cricket and smoking cannabis in the park before the attack.
The police confirmed Malik is a Pakistani national and indicated that another suspect is still being sought.
