Rizwan Khan

Rizwan Khan, a 40-year-old man from Middlesbrough and former extra in the television series Hollyoaks and ITV's Vera, was jailed for a series of sexual offences against two women and an additional charge of child cruelty. The incidents, which occurred years apart, involved violent assaults that demonstrated Khan's entitlement and hostility towards women, as noted in a pre-sentence report by his probation officer.

At Teesside Crown Court, the prosecution detailed how Khan raped the first victim after she repeatedly refused to have sex with him. He reportedly told her, 'I need what I need. I want what I want. You, as a woman, should abide by what a man wants,' before carrying out the rape. The court heard that Khan punched and slapped this woman, exhibiting significant violence. The second victim awoke to find Khan sexually assaulting her. Khan was also convicted of sexually assaulting the first victim and causing unnecessary suffering to a child by slapping them.

Khan denied all charges during his trial in August but was found guilty by a jury of two counts of rape, one count of sexual assault, and the child cruelty charge. He was cleared of four other counts of rape. On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Judge Paul Reid sentenced Khan to 11 years and nine months' imprisonment. The judge highlighted the probation report's findings on Khan's attitudes towards females. Khan, who stood emotionless in the dock, will be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, as well as restraining orders prohibiting contact with the three victims.

During the trial, Khan described his background, noting he worked in a call centre in Stokesley before pursuing acting at age 34. As acting opportunities arose, he began attending the gym daily and secured roles in Hollyoaks and Vera. Defence barrister Andrew Stranex argued that Khan continued to deny the offences and expressed concern for his parents' healthcare, but the court proceeded with the sentence. Victim impact statements were read by prosecutor Robin Turton, with one woman stating she suffers from anxiety and nightmares, adding, 'What he did goes round and round in my head. When I see his face in the newspaper, I feel sick.' The case was reported by Teesside Live, based on proceedings at Teesside Crown Court.