Former Hollyoaks actor Rizwan Khan has been sentenced to 11 years and nine months in prison after being convicted of raping two women and sexually assaulting one of his victims.
Court Hears Harrowing Victim Impact
The 40-year-old actor, who denied all charges against him, appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, November 11 for sentencing. Prosecutor Robin Turton read emotional statements from Khan's victims, with one woman describing how she suffers from nightmares and anxiety.
"What he did goes round and round in my head," the victim stated. "When I see his face in the newspaper, I feel sick."
Pattern of Abuse Revealed
The court heard that Khan told one victim: "I need what I need. I want what I want. You, as a woman, should abide by what a man wants." One woman described how Khan became violent before demanding sex, ultimately raping her after she said no.
Prosecutor Turton detailed how Khan allegedly slapped the woman in the face, punched her in the back, threw her on a bed, and strangled her during the assault.
Another victim told police that Khan raped her after she rejected his sexual advances at 3am when she was tired and had work the next morning.
Sentencing and Consequences
Judge Paul Reid told Khan that a pre-sentence report showed he "demonstrates entitlement and hostility towards females." Despite defence barrister Andrew Stranex stating his client continued to deny the allegations and was concerned about his parents' healthcare, the judge imposed a significant sentence.
Khan, of Union Street, Middlesbrough, was found guilty of the offences in August. In addition to his prison sentence, he must:
- Sign the sex offenders register for life
- Comply with a sexual harm prevention order
- Adhere to restraining orders preventing contact with his victims
The actor was also convicted of slapping a child in the face during separate incidents.
Acting Career Background
Khan gained recognition for his roles in Hollyoaks in 2019 as Doctor Peak and later in 2020 as a paramedic. He portrayed a parent in the 2021 film Everybody's Talking About Jamie and had a role in This England this year.
His television credits also included two episodes of ITV's Vera and an episode of Holby City. Known as Riz, the father-of-one previously worked in a call centre for a financial firm in Storksley before his acting career began six years ago.
If you've been affected by sexual violence, support is available through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or the national helpline on 0808 802 9999.
