FARAN ABBAS FROM ACCRINGTON SENTENCED FOR VIOLENT RAPE CAMPAIGN USING ISLAM AS EXCUSE

In August 2022, a disturbing case emerged from Accrington involving Faran Abbas, a man who subjected a woman to a prolonged and brutal campaign of sexual violence over a period of nine months. Abbas, known to reside on Church Street in Accrington, was convicted of multiple counts of rape after a jury trial held in May, despite initially pleading not guilty to five charges.

Throughout the ordeal, Abbas exerted significant control over his victim’s life, manipulating her behavior and restricting her freedoms. The woman, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, recounted how her innocence was stolen from her and how her physical and emotional well-being were severely damaged. She described feeling as though her spirit had been crushed, leading her to believe she was unworthy of love and trust.

In a heartfelt diary entry read aloud in court, she detailed the repeated assaults inflicted by Abbas, emphasizing the persistent nature of his abuse. She observed how her own family, along with Abbas’s relatives, failed to intervene or acknowledge the severity of her suffering. Her transformation from a once bright, confident young woman to someone unrecognizable was a source of deep pain for her family, who watched her decline.

Abbas’s controlling behavior extended beyond emotional manipulation. He restricted her access to her mobile phone, prevented her from meeting her parents without his presence, and was physically violent towards her. One particularly harrowing incident involved Abbas strangling her in a hotel room until she struggled to breathe. After this attack, Abbas dismissed the incident as a joke, downplaying the severity of his violence. When she eventually reported the abuse to the police, Abbas falsely claimed she was lying and suggested her father had coerced her into making the complaint.

Prosecutor David Traynor described Abbas’s actions as a “campaign of rape,” highlighting the heinous and persistent nature of his crimes over an extended period. Despite his denial, Abbas was found guilty by the jury of the charges against him.

During the trial, Abbas’s defense lawyer, Bob Elias, acknowledged his client’s lack of credibility, stating, “He has no credit, he had his trial and was convicted by the jury.” Elias also commented on cultural differences, suggesting that Abbas’s mindset was influenced by his upbringing and heritage, which he described as not being “westernized.” He noted that some family members appeared willing to support Abbas publicly.

Judge Simon Medland QC sentenced Abbas to 18 years in prison, with an additional two years on extended license upon release. The judge condemned Abbas’s attempt to justify his actions by invoking Islam, stating, “Islam is no excuse for your behaviour. There is no excuse and there never could be one.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Medland emphasized the brutality of Abbas’s conduct, describing him as a “dangerous offender” who treated his victim’s life and body as his own. He highlighted the significant impact on the victim, referencing her personal statement as evidence of the profound harm caused. The judge also noted Abbas’s prior conviction for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, underscoring his dangerous character.

As part of his punishment, Abbas was placed on the sex offenders register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his conduct. The case from Accrington serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of violent sexual abuse and the importance of justice for victims of such heinous crimes.