UMAR HAMID FROM BLACKBURN SENTENCED TO 22 YEARS FOR STRING OF VIOLENT OFFENCES AND SEXUAL ABUSE
In a case that has shocked the community of Blackburn, Umar Hamid has been sentenced to a total of 22 years in prison after being found guilty of a series of heinous crimes spanning over a decade.The disturbing case first came to light when the victim, who was only 18 years old at the time, endured a prolonged period of violence and sexual assault that lasted for approximately 14 years.
Details of the case revealed during the sentencing hearing at Burnley Crown Court painted a grim picture of Hamid’s brutal conduct.
It was disclosed that he had employed weapons such as guns and a machete during his repeated assaults on the woman.
On multiple occasions, she was stabbed with a serrated knife, and there were instances where car keys were used as weapons to inflict harm.
The severity and brutality of these attacks underscored the dangerous nature of Hamid’s actions.
The majority of these offences occurred between 2006 and 2013, but the case resurfaced in spring 2020 when the victim, now aged 32, decided to report Hamid to the police.
This renewed investigation led to his arrest in May of that year.
Hamid, who was 29 at the time and previously residing on Hazel Avenue in Darwen and Blackburn, faced a series of charges that included 11 counts of rape, assault, and firearms offences.
His trial took place at Preston Crown Court, where he was convicted of these serious crimes.
Judge David Potter, presiding over the case, sentenced Hamid to 17 years in prison, with an additional five years on licence following his release.
The judge described Hamid as an extremely dangerous individual, emphasizing the severity of his criminal conduct.
“Rarely has this court seen a more forceful description of an extremely dangerous man,” Judge Potter stated.
He further highlighted that Hamid had established criminal links within prison and had committed serious offences involving knives and firearms.
The court assessed him as being at a high risk of committing further sexual offences and a very high risk of engaging in additional violent acts, categorizing him as a dangerous offender.
In addition to his prison sentence, a lifetime restraining order was issued to prevent Hamid from contacting his victim.
Furthermore, he will be required to register on the sex offender’s register for the rest of his life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing any future harm to the community of Blackburn and beyond.
