AWALKHAN SULTANKHAIL ARRESTED AND SENTENCED IN BIRMINGHAM

Awalkhan Sultankhail was taken into custody after assaulting a woman in a park located in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, on the afternoon of 27 August 2023. The incident began when Sultankhail approached the victim to initiate a conversation. When she tried to walk away, he followed her into a nearby bush and assaulted her. He fled the scene when a passer-by interrupted. The victim provided a detailed description of him, which, together with CCTV footage, enabled police to identify him.

Four days later, two student police officers, PC Declan McDevitt and PC Peter Jones, identified Sultankhail in the area and chased him down. They successfully cornered and arrested him on Ladypool Road.

PC Jones expressed his pride in their efforts, saying, "I felt immensely proud of myself and PC McDevitt as we have caught someone who has committed a horrific offence in broad daylight." He added, "I went home that day feeling satisfied that I have helped the victim get one step closer getting to the justice she deserves, and knowing that he won't be able to commit another offence for a long time."

On 29 September 2023, Sultankhail, who is 24 years old, pleaded guilty to the charge of rape. He was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, along with an additional four years on licence. Following his sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on 20 December 2024, Superintendent Emlyn Richards praised the diligence of the student officers, stating the arrest was "absolutely first-rate work by these two officers," and emphasized that Sultankhail would spend many years behind bars because of their efforts.