ZIAUR RAHMAN FROM BIRMINGHAM CONVICTED FOR CONTROLLING AND ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD EX-PARTNER

Ziaur Rahman, a 33-year-old man originally from Perry Barr in Birmingham, has been found guilty of engaging in a pattern of controlling and abusive conduct directed at his former partner. The conviction highlights a disturbing case of harassment that persisted despite previous legal interventions and restrictions.

Rahman’s history of violence includes a prior conviction for inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) on the same victim, which resulted in a prison sentence of three years and seven months. Following this, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting or approaching her. However, Rahman’s abusive behavior did not cease. Instead, he continued to torment her by making relentless phone calls from HMP Birmingham, the prison where he was incarcerated.

According to court reports, Rahman’s calls were frequent and invasive, with the victim describing a significant escalation in the number of calls she received daily. Initially, she reported receiving between 20 to 50 calls per day, but this number later surged to over 100 and even 200 calls in a single day. During these calls, Rahman would dictate personal details such as when she should pray and what she should wear, exerting a disturbing level of control over her daily life. He also issued threats, warning her that if she attempted to move on or live her life freely, he would harm her severely, even threatening to 'put her in intensive care.'

She expressed her fear that Rahman’s anger and aggression could escalate to violence, fearing that he might kill her if he managed to locate her. The victim described her nights as sleepless, haunted by the belief that Rahman’s ultimate goal was to instill fear and isolate her completely. Her testimony paints a picture of a woman living under constant threat, with her sense of safety severely compromised.

In court, Rahman admitted to stalking his former partner and breaching the restraining order. His actions were viewed as a severe violation of the legal protections put in place to safeguard her. On April 19, Birmingham Crown Court sentenced him to an additional five years in prison for his continued harassment and breaches.

Despite Rahman’s involvement in community projects and his employment history, the judge dismissed these as mitigating factors, emphasizing the repeated nature of his offenses and the profound impact on the victim’s well-being. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such controlling and violent behaviors are regarded, especially when they persist despite previous convictions and legal restrictions.

Rahman’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by victims of domestic abuse and the importance of strict enforcement of restraining orders to prevent further harm.