Muhammad Arshad

Muhammad Arshad, a 47-year-old man from High Wycombe, was sentenced to 27 years in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court on 23 May 2025 following an eight-day trial the previous year. The court heard that Arshad had subjected two women to a prolonged campaign of sexual abuse and exploitation between January 2018 and July 2024.

Arshad was convicted on one count of modern slavery, under which he held one of the women in servitude from 2019 to 2024. During this period, he repeatedly raped and assaulted her, exerting control over her life. The jury also found him guilty of seven counts of rape (some encompassing multiple incidents), two counts of sexual assault, one count of common assault, three additional counts of sexual assault, and one count of threatening to disclose a private sexual image. He was acquitted on two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of assault.

Detective Constable Emily Sendall, who investigated the case alongside Detective Constable Emma Wright for Thames Valley Police, described the offences as 'truly horrendous'. She stated: 'This case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will leave no stone unturned in investigating sexual offenders and bringing them to justice. Muhammad Arshad was a well-respected man in the community until this offending was uncovered.' The investigation uncovered evidence of years of abuse, highlighting the severity and duration of Arshad's actions against the victims.

The sentencing reflects the gravity of the crimes, which combined elements of sexual violence with modern slavery. Thames Valley Police emphasised their commitment to supporting victims of such offences, noting the bravery of the two women who came forward to provide crucial evidence.