RAMEEN FAROOQY AND PANKAJ BANGARH SENTENCED IN HAMPSHIRE INVOLVING VICTIM AT WINSTON HOTEL
Rameen Farooqy and Pankaj Bangarh were caught on video laughing as they assaulted their unconscious victim at the Winston Hotel in August 2018.Both men were sentenced on Wednesday to a total of eight years in prison.
Additionally, they are required to register as sex offenders for life and have been issued an indefinite restraining order preventing them from contacting the victim.
The pair, aged 25 and 27 respectively, were found guilty of attempted rape and sexual assault following a trial at Southampton Crown Court earlier this year.
Farooqy, of Arundel Drive, Harrow, and Bangarh, of Halsway, Hayes, London, were both convicted and sentenced accordingly.
Commenting on the case, Detective Constable Sue Hampton from Operation Amberstone stated, “This was undoubtedly a traumatic ordeal for the woman, and I cannot praise her enough for the courage and bravery she has shown in coming forward and reporting what happened to her, as well as for her strength throughout the trial and criminal justice process." She added, “We know it’s incredibly difficult to report incidents of this nature, but thanks to her help, we have been able to bring these two men to justice today.
I hope this case demonstrates that Hampshire Constabulary is committed to supporting victims of rape and sexual assault and will do everything possible to identify offenders and ensure they are brought before the courts.” Detective Hampton further explained that the police work closely with the Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) Service, Yellow Door, to provide expert support to victims during investigations.
“From speaking with the victim, I know that the ISVA assigned to her helped her immensely through the process.
We are proud of our partnership with support agencies like Yellow Door, who play a vital role in helping survivors,” she said.
Finally, she expressed hope that the strength demonstrated by victims and the successful convictions will encourage others to come forward.
“We want victims to know they are not alone and that we will do everything we can to stop offenders from hurting others again,” she concluded.
