A man who drugged and raped a woman before messaging her “as if everything was normal” the following day has received a significant prison sentence. Akaash Ibra, 30, was jailed for a total of 15 years after being found guilty of rape at Preston Crown Court. The court heard Ibra lured his victim to a secluded car park in Lancashire in June 2023, where he subjected her to a horrific assault.

Ibra, previously of Paddock Lane in Halifax, had denied the serious offence but was convicted unanimously by a jury earlier this year. His sentence comprises 10 years of immediate custody, with eligibility for parole only after serving two-thirds of that term, followed by an additional five years on extended licence. This outcome brings a measure of justice to the victim in a case described by detectives as exceptionally disturbing.

Following the conviction, detectives labelled Ibra a “dangerous rapist,” emphasising the significant threat he poses to women. Detective Constable Sam Holland, from the East Rape and Serious Sexual Offence Team, stated that Ibra exhibits “abhorrent views and behaviours” towards women, clearly demonstrating a high risk to the public. The police highlighted his calculated actions in isolating and drugging his victim before the assault.

In a powerful victim impact statement read in court, the woman described a profound sense of betrayal, stating that such an act of violation by an acquaintance “cuts deep.” She recounted the torment of fragmented memories and the overwhelming self-doubt, constantly questioning if she could have acted differently or perceived any sinister signs that night. The psychological aftermath left her grappling with intense guilt and self-blame.

The victim courageously detailed her journey from silent suffering to confronting her abuser in court. She expressed an apology to herself for internalising the guilt and silencing her pain, acknowledging the immense difficulty of confiding in others about the trauma that consumed her. Her decision to speak her truth in pursuit of justice marked a critical step in her healing process, despite the ongoing emotional scars.

The trauma continues to manifest in recurring nightmares where she is trapped with Ibra, aware of impending harm but unable to escape or defend herself. She voiced numerous unanswered questions, particularly regarding the duration they were parked in isolation and the nature of his thoughts while she lay unconscious. These lingering uncertainties amplify the psychological burden she carries daily.

The woman questioned the twisted satisfaction Ibra might have felt during the assault and whether any regret surfaced as she remained unresponsive. She also pondered his state of mind upon returning home, wondering if he was unsettled by his actions or managed to sleep soundly, untouched by the gravity of the sexual violation he inflicted. This pursuit of understanding reflects the depth of her trauma.

Ultimately, the victim declared that the burden of her pain now rests with Ibra. She conveyed a strange sense of pity for him, believing he would be haunted by his own darkness—a darkness she intimately understood—which she predicted would slowly corrupt his conscience and soul. This statement served as a powerful reclamation of her narrative and emotional well-being.

DC Sam Holland reiterated the gravity of Ibra’s actions, noting his deliberate isolation and drugging of the victim before the rape, followed by his audacious attempt to feign normalcy via Snapchat. The officer commended the victim’s “incredible strength” in both reporting the crime to the police and subsequently providing crucial evidence during the trial proceedings.

Authorities expressed hope that this conviction and substantial sentence would empower other victims of sexual crimes to come forward. They assured potential complainants that their voices would be heard, their accounts believed, and that law enforcement agencies would commit every effort to bring their abusers to justice through the courts. This sends a clear message about perpetrator accountability.

The case highlights the severe consequences awaiting individuals who commit such heinous acts, particularly when involving manipulation and exploitation. The judicial system’s response underscores a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law for their depraved conduct.

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Keywords: Akaash Ibra, Preston Crown Court, Rape conviction, Drugging and rape, Lancashire sexual assault, Victim impact statement, Sexual offence sentencing, Criminal justice system