In a disturbing case, a “violent” rapist has been sentenced to 16 years in prison and given a lifelong restraining order for a horrific attack on a woman. Malik Shahzad, 46, of Berkeley Street in Scunthorpe, was convicted of rape, false imprisonment, and assault at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The court heard how Shahzad trapped the woman inside his home overnight in July 2021, repeatedly raping and assaulting her as she tried to escape. Despite his claims that the encounter was consensual, a jury rejected his account following a trial that concluded in November 2025.
Police were first alerted at around 6:50 am on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, when the victim reported that she had been locked inside an address on Berkeley Street and raped for hours. Officers immediately responded to the scene, where Shahzad was arrested on suspicion of rape and false imprisonment.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered the extent of the abuse the woman endured. She told officers that she attempted to leave the property multiple times during the night but was followed and prevented from escaping. On one occasion, she said she was grabbed by the neck and pinned down, and when she tried to call the police on her mobile phone, Shahzad allegedly seized it and threw it away while continuing the assault.
Detective Constable Becky McInnis, who led the investigation, described Shahzad as a “violent rapist” who subjected the woman to “abhorrent levels of abuse” over several hours. She commended the victim for her bravery in coming forward and reporting the crime, stating that it was because of her courage that Shahzad will no longer be able to subject anyone else to this level of violence.
McInnis emphasized that the police take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and remain committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice. She urged anyone affected by similar crimes to seek help when they feel ready, whether it’s by telling a trusted adult or friend, reaching out to specialist support agencies, or contacting the police.
“We will always do everything we can to hold those accountable for such vile crimes,” McInnis said. “Reporting a crime of this nature is never easy, but it is because of the victim’s courage that Shahzad will no longer be able to subject anyone else to this level of violence.”
