Man who raped woman in toilet on first date jailed

Anwarul Islam followed the victim into a pub toilet before raping her

A man who raped a woman on a first date has been jailed for nine years.

Anwarul Islam, 38, formerly of Springett Avenue, Ringmer, near Lewes, in East Sussex, raped the woman in a pub toilet in Elmswell, Suffolk, more than three years ago.

He had been found guilty of rape and sexual assault at an earlier hearing and was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday.

Det Con Jasmine Mulley, of Suffolk Police, said she hoped he would "reflect on his attitude towards women".

Islam was introduced to the victim, a woman in her 30s, through a mutual friend, police said.

They had exchanged voice notes and arranged to meet in person the next day.

Det Con Mulley said despite having met only on the day of the attack, Islam had researched hotel rooms on his phone and suggested they booked one together.

In her personal impact statement which was read out in court, the victim said she had thought "he was a nice guy" and had trusted him.

"I've lost count of the amount of times I have cried since this happened. I have been very sad and I don't know how to process this trauma," she added.

Islam was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday

Islam was sentenced to nine years in prison for rape and six years for sexual assault. The terms will be served concurrently.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register and was given an indefinite restraining order.

Det Con Mulley praised the victim for her bravery.

"Islam refused to accept any responsibility for his actions, forcing his victim to relive the experience in court," she said.

"The sentence he has received will ensure that he will not be able to harm anyone else."