Nottingham Rapist Receives Nine-Year Sentence While Remaining at Large
A violent rapist who attacked a teenage girl in her bedroom has been sentenced to nine years in prison, despite remaining a fugitive from justice. Aland Ahmed, now 23, was tried and convicted in his absence at Nottingham Crown Court after fleeing the country following his initial arrest.
Disturbing Details of the Attack
The court heard harrowing details of how Ahmed, who was 19 at the time, carried the 15-year-old victim against her will into a bedroom during 2022. Despite her physical resistance and clear protestations, he subjected her to a violent rape lasting between five and ten minutes. The assault only ceased when another person in the Nottingham flat entered the room and discovered the girl crying hysterically.
Forensic evidence presented during the trial confirmed Ahmed's DNA was found in the victim's underwear, providing crucial scientific corroboration of the attack. The prosecution detailed how the teenager had tried to fight off Ahmed's advances before being overpowered and carried to the bedroom.
Devastating Impact on the Victim
A victim impact statement read to the court revealed the profound psychological damage inflicted by the assault. The young woman now suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experiences significant difficulties trusting people, and struggles with severe sleep disturbances.
In her own words, the victim described how she "turned to drink and drugs" to cope with the trauma, which subsequently damaged her family relationships and led to her requiring supported accommodation. Judge Steven Coupland noted the "severe psychological harm" evident in the case, emphasising that the victim had been forced to relive her ordeal through video interviews and during the trial process.
Fugitive Status and Legal Proceedings
Ahmed's disappearance has complicated the legal process significantly. After being charged and making an initial appearance at magistrates' court, he breached his bail conditions and has not been seen for approximately 21 months. Authorities believe he has left the country, though his exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Judge Coupland highlighted that the delays in the case were "entirely down to him because of his initial denials of the offence and then him absenting himself." The absence of the defendant meant no pre-sentence report could be prepared, leaving the court with limited information about Ahmed's background beyond the facts of the case.
Sentencing and Future Implications
In addition to the nine-year prison sentence, Judge Coupland ordered that Ahmed be placed on the sex offenders register for life. The judge specified that when Ahmed is eventually apprehended, he will be required to serve two-thirds of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole consideration.
The case underscores the challenges faced by the justice system when defendants flee before trial, while simultaneously highlighting the court's commitment to delivering justice for victims even in the absence of the perpetrator. Nottinghamshire Police continue their efforts to locate Ahmed and bring him into custody to serve his sentence.
