Ajmal Afuq

Ajmal Afuq, a 45-year-old man from Blackburn, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against a woman in Mossley, Greater Manchester. The attacks, which included one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault, occurred between December 2019 and May 2020. Afuq's crimes came to light after the victim bravely reported them to Greater Manchester Police, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial.

The case was heard at a temporary Crown Court in Stockport, where Afuq was found guilty on all charges following a thorough investigation by Greater Manchester Police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The court imposed concurrent sentences: eight years for the rape, two-and-a-half years for one sexual assault, and 12 months for the other. This sentencing reflects the severity of the offences and aims to provide justice for the victim.

Detective Constable Philip Scargill, from Greater Manchester Police’s CID division, commended the victim's courage in his statement after the trial. He said: 'I’d like to commend the lady who bravely came forward and reported these appalling crimes. She has shown incredible bravery and co-operation throughout what must have been a very difficult investigation. I hope today’s sentence provides some form of closure and comfort knowing Afuq will be behind bars for the next eight years.' The police investigation highlighted the victim's co-operation as pivotal in securing the conviction.

The offences took place in Mossley, a town in Tameside, and underscore the ongoing efforts by Greater Manchester Police to tackle sexual violence in the community. Afuq, originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, targeted the victim in a series of assaults that spanned several months. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting such crimes to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.