MOHAMMED SHAFIQ AND SHOCKING RAPE IN LANCASHIRE AND ACCRINGTON
A notorious sexual predator named Mohammed Shafiq, who has a troubling history of criminal behavior in Lancashire, has been handed an additional prison sentence after a disturbing case involving the assault of a teenage girl in Accrington.Shafiq, aged 44 and pictured in reports, previously served an 11-year sentence starting in 2020.
He was convicted at that time of raping a woman while threatening her with a knife, an incident that drew significant media attention and highlighted his aggressive and dangerous conduct.
Following media coverage of his earlier conviction, the victim from that case reached out to law enforcement officials, revealing a deeply troubling new allegation.
She claimed that Shafiq had sexually assaulted her when she was just 17 years old by drugging her beforehand, an act that added a terrifying layer to his criminal profile.
Initially, Shafiq denied any involvement, falsely asserting to police that he was in a consensual relationship with the girl and that he had terminated that relationship because she had become possessive.
His dishonesty extended further when he encouraged a family member, who was still incarcerated, to reiterate these false claims to the police in an effort to mislead the investigation.
Shafiq, who has no fixed residence and is considered a dangerous individual by the authorities, eventually pleaded guilty to charges of rape and perverting the course of justice.
His guilty plea led to a sentence of eight years in prison, handed down by Preston Crown Court on June 29.
The court also imposed an additional eight years on extended licence, reflecting the seriousness of his actions and the court’s recognition of his status as a dangerous offender.
In addition to his prison sentences, Shafiq has been ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to monitor his activity and reduce the risk he poses to society.
Detective Sergeant David Tait, who led the investigation into Shafiq’s latest offenses, expressed his views on the case.
He described Shafiq as a “sexual predator” who poses a significant threat to women due to his warped and perverted views towards them.
Sgt.
Tait praised the court’s decision, stating that the sentence appropriately reflects the gravity of Shafiq’s crimes.
He also commended the bravery of the victim, who has endured the emotional and psychological aftermath of Shafiq’s assault for many years.
The officer emphasized that justice had finally been served and expressed hope that this case would encourage others who have been victimized to come forward.
He assured the public that victims will be believed, supported, and that law enforcement will do everything possible to ensure offenders are brought to justice.
