Shafnan Yousaf

Shafnan Yousaf, a man from Nelson in Lancashire, was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for raping a woman on two occasions and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour over a period of approximately six-and-a-half years. The case was heard at Burnley Crown Court, where Yousaf was found guilty by a jury on two counts of rape and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour.

The offences came to light following reports to Lancashire Police, who investigated the allegations. The first rape occurred in 2019, when Yousaf forced himself upon the victim, covering her mouth and telling her to be quiet as she was 'spoiling it', according to David Lees, the prosecuting barrister. The second incident involved the victim waking to find Yousaf touching her, after which he again forced himself upon her. These acts were part of a broader pattern of behaviour designed to humiliate and degrade the victim, as described by Judge Sara Dodd during sentencing.

Judge Dodd remarked on Yousaf's lack of insight into the impact of his actions, stating, 'That was true at the trial and the position has not changed. Having heard the trial, I consider your attitude to be one of arrogance and entitlement.' She further assessed that there was 'a very real and very significant risk that you will behave in the same way towards other women', which could cause serious harm, and noted no signs that Yousaf would address the underlying issues leading to his offending.

In a victim impact statement, the woman described how she had 'spent years being petrified' and that 'it may take years to heal from what has happened'. Michael Goldwater, mitigating for Yousaf, mentioned that the defendant had arrived in the UK from Pakistan in 2008, with additional family members joining in 2021.

Yousaf, of Maurice Street, Nelson, was handed a 13-and-a-half-year extended prison sentence, comprising a 10-and-a-half-year custodial term and a three-year extended licence period. He must serve two-thirds of the custodial term before being eligible for release consideration by the parole board. Lancashire Police were unable to provide a mugshot of the offender.