GHULAM MUSTAPHA OF FISHPOUNDS SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS IN BRISTOL FOR MULTIPLE RAPE OFFENSES
A man from Fishponds, Ghulam Mustapha, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of twice raping a woman against her will.Mustapha, 48, of Cherrytree Crescent, refused to accept the allegations, but a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape.
Bristol Crown Court heard that he did not take "no" for an answer and engaged in sexual activity with the woman despite her objections.
The court was told that the victim experienced both physical pain and psychological trauma as a result of the assaults.
Prosecutor Jennifer Tallentire read her statement, in which she described suffering from night sweats and flashbacks.
She said, "I can't stop thinking about what happened," adding that the rapes had left her with likely severe pelvic pain and a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She shared how the court proceedings had worsened her condition, stating, "It has really knocked my confidence, I am paranoid I’m being followed and I’m worried someone will hurt me.
I get scared of everything." Despite denying the charges, Mustapha was convicted of the offenses and sentenced by Judge Euan Ambrose, who emphasized the harm caused.
The judge said, "She has suffered severe psychological harm, as her victim personal statement made clear, and significant physical harm in the form of ongoing pain," and imposed an indefinite restraining order preventing contact with the complainant.
He also ordered Mustapha to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Defence lawyer Michael Haynes argued that the case was about "totality" rather than any specific malicious intent.
Commenting on the case, investigating officer DC James Claridge stated, "Mustapha put his own sexual desires above the welfare of his victim, forcing himself on her.
As well as the physical pain he caused, he also inflicted significant emotional trauma on her which she is still coming to terms with.
We continue to provide her with access to specialist support services and hope today’s sentence brings her some comfort." DC Claridge praised the victim's courage, saying, "I’d like to commend Mustapha’s victim for the bravery she has shown throughout the criminal justice process.
It is often difficult for victims of sexual offenses to report and give evidence, and she has demonstrated great strength in doing so."
