Rapist who groomed and controlled victim jailed

Hamed Kianipanah has been jailed for raping a woman in 2022

A rapist who groomed and controlled his victim has been jailed for nine years.

Hamed Kianipanah, 34, was found guilty of raping a woman at an address in Richmondshire in 2022 following a trial at Teesside Crown Court on 5 June.

Kianipanah, of Brook Road, Brent, was given a nine-year jail term as well as an additional three years on licence when he was sentenced on Monday.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely and has been made subject to a restraining order.

'Level of control'

During his trial, the jury heard evidence that Kianipanah had groomed and controlled the woman around the time of the rape.

However, she found the courage to make a report to North Yorkshire Police in 2023, sparking a two-year investigation.

The woman had since also had access to a range of professional support and care, police said.

Temporary Det Sgt Quita Readman said: "With her support, we carried out a thorough investigation capturing the whole story of the grooming stages Kianipanah engaged in before and after the rape, maintaining a level of control over the survivor.

"I have nothing but praise for the bravery of the survivor in this case.

"It also shows it is never too late to make a report to the police and seek support from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre and organisations such as Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).

"We are here to help you - please don't hesitate to get in touch."

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