25/11/2025
Anwarul Islam, 38-year-old man has been jailed for the rape and sexual assault of a woman in Elmswell, which occurred more than three years ago.
Anwarul Islam, formerly of Springett Avenue, Ringmer, in the Lewes District of East Sussex, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 21 November for sentencing, after he was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault at an earlier hearing.
He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for rape and six years’ imprisonment for the sexual assault, to be served concurrently. He must serve a minimum of two thirds of the custodial sentence, the remainder of which will be on extended licence period to determine the risk to the public by a parole panel.
The offences involved a woman aged in her 30s, whom Islam was introduced to over the phone through a mutual contact. The pair exchanged voice notes and arranged to meet in person the next day, but where otherwise not known to each other.
On the evening of the attack the pair visited a public house together. It was there that Islam followed the victim into a toilet cubicle and raped her.
The victim’s personal statement was read out in court. In it she wrote: “I thought he was a nice guy, and I trusted him… I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have cried since this happened, I have been very sad and I don’t know how to process this trauma.”
Islam was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and was given an indefinite restraining order.
Investigating officer DC Jasmine Mulley said: “Islam’s actions have had a profound impact on his victim, who has shown immense bravery in coming forward and supporting the investigation.
“Despite having only met her that day he was researching hotel rooms on his phone and suggesting they book one together, before he followed her into a public toilet and raped her.
“Islam refused to accept any responsibility for his actions, forcing his victim to relive the experience in court.
“The sentence he has received will ensure that he will not be able to harm anyone else. I hope this time behind bars will make him reflect on his attitude towards women and his sense of entitlement when it comes to sexual activity.”
To report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences please visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/
Suffolk also has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and a team of specialist ISVA’s (independent sexual violence advisors) who support any victims who come forward to report rape or serious sexual offences, either to police or directly to the SARC. For more information, visit https://theferns-suffolk.org.uk/