MOHAMMED WAQAS ALI SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR RAPE IN NELSON

A man described as both 'despicable' and 'remorseless' has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after being convicted of raping a woman in Nelson. Mohammed Waqas Ali, whose actions caused profound trauma to his victim, was sentenced to 13 years behind bars. In addition to the prison term, Ali was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Ali’s assault on the woman was not limited to sexual violence; he also subjected her to physical assault and severe verbal abuse. The impact of his actions was so devastating that the victim was driven to the brink of despair, even attempting to take her own life as a result of the trauma inflicted upon her. The case was brought to trial at Burnley Crown Court, where Ali’s pattern of deceit and dishonesty was laid bare. Throughout the three-week proceedings, Ali repeatedly lied, attempting to deny or minimize his involvement, but the jury saw through his falsehoods and found him guilty.

During the trial, Detective Sergeant Sarah Tucker described Ali as a truly reprehensible individual who showed no remorse. She emphasized that Ali’s lies persisted throughout the court process, even as he forced his victim to relive her painful experience by participating in the trial. Sergeant Tucker highlighted the courage of the victim, whose bravery in coming forward was instrumental in securing justice.

At the sentencing hearing last week, Ali, who previously resided on Raven Street in Nelson but now has no fixed address, was given the maximum sentence permissible for his crimes. The court also mandated that he register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the ongoing risk he poses to the community. Sergeant Tucker expressed her hope that this case would serve as a reminder to other victims of sexual offences that they are not alone and that their voices will be heard. She encouraged anyone affected by similar crimes to report incidents to the police either through the 101 telephone service or via the online reporting portal.

The police and prosecution teams involved in this case were commended for their diligent work in gathering evidence and ensuring that justice was served. The case stands as a stark reminder of the justice system’s unwavering commitment to protecting victims of heinous crimes and holding perpetrators accountable, no matter how difficult the process may be.