FARZAD SHABANI SENTENCED IN LIVERPOOL FOR RAPE AND MANIPULATIVE BEHAVIOUR
The manipulative actions of Farzad Shabani, who committed a rape in Liverpool, were laid bare in a powerful courtroom speech by the student he assaulted, leaving her devastated.The court heard how Shabani continued his assault in the early hours at a university hall of residence, despite her protests.
Prosecutor Nicola Daley stated, "He had sexual intercourse with her at a time that she was not consenting...
even when she was telling him to stop and pushed him away with her arms he carried on regardless." She added, "She described how the defendant didn't even seem to notice when she was crying during the assault.
She indicated that he appeared to get cross with her for being upset afterward." During her courageous statement in Liverpool Crown Court, the student shared how she distanced herself from her family due to shame, and explained how Shabani manipulated her, saying, "He gaslighted and manipulated me, convincing me that I deserved it—that it was my fault." The court was told that her life was severely affected, initially leaving her in "survival mode." She revealed, "I considered dropping out of university, and I think many people expected me to.
There were days I couldn't get out of bed because I didn't want to face anyone." Following the assault, Shabani launched a vindictive social media campaign, creating a fake Instagram profile to provoke her and prompt responses he could exploit.
She also became paranoid, fearing he might have her followed.
Her powerful speech emphasized her strength in coming forward: "I felt almost guilty for telling my truth...
It took a while for me to realize he had put himself in this position, and what happened to me was his fault despite what he had conditioned my mind to believe." Defense lawyer Peter Killen acknowledged, "Any offence of this type always inflicts serious harm on any victim...
The sole mitigating factor is the defendant is a man of previous good character." Judge Brian Cummings, QC, condemned Shabani’s conduct as "appalling." He stated, "I make it clear I sentence you based on [the student's] evidence.
The jury plainly accepted it, and so do I.
The factual basis for this sentence is one I am certain of." The judge criticized Shabani for his manipulative and controlling behavior, saying, "You have shown an utter disregard for anyone but yourself.
You have presented as manipulative and controlling and have an inflated regard for your own dignity while showing none for others." Shabani, residing on Rectory Road in Crumpsall, Manchester, received a sentence of six and a half years in prison and was ordered to be subject to a lifelong restraining order.
