Asylum seeker found guilty of rape in Nottinghamshire park

A man identified as an asylum seeker was found guilty of two counts of raping an 18-year-old woman in Sutton Lawn park; he has been remanded in custody and a hearing on 6 February will set a sentencing date.

A man described in court as an asylum seeker has been found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman in a Nottinghamshire park. The trial took place at Birmingham Crown Court and the incident was said to have occurred after the woman had been drinking in Sutton Lawn park in Sutton-in-Ashfield. The jury returned guilty verdicts on two counts of rape and a not guilty verdict on a third count. A reporting restriction had prevented mention of the defendant’s immigration status until the trial concluded. Key facts: - The defendant was found guilty on two counts of rape and not guilty on a third count. - Court records and police statements identify the man as an asylum seeker and a Pakistani national who had lived in other European countries before arriving in the UK. - He has been remanded into custody and a mention hearing is scheduled for 6 February to fix a sentencing date; a pre-sentence report has been ordered. - Nottinghamshire Police say the investigation remains a priority and that another suspect is still being sought; the case prompted local demonstrations after media and political comment. Summary: The court conviction records a criminal finding in a case that drew local attention and comment. Sentencing arrangements will be set after the February mention hearing, and police continue to investigate while seeking another suspect.