Who is Sheraz Malik? Pakistani-born asylum seeker jailed 10 years for rape of 18-year-old in UK park

A Pakistani-born asylum seeker has been jailed for 10 years in the United Kingdom after being convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in a Nottinghamshire park.

Sheraz Malik, 28, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday after a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape in connection with an attack that took place in Sutton Lawn Park, Sutton-in-Ashfield, in June 2025. The court also imposed a further four years on extended licence.

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Case details and prosecution evidence

According to court proceedings reported by UK media, the victim had been drinking with a friend when they encountered Malik and a group of men in the park.

Prosecutors said the woman was left in the company of the group after her friend briefly stepped away. The court heard that she was first assaulted by another man and was then taken by Malik to a secluded area, where he raped her.

Prosecutor Nicholas Corsellis KC told the court that Malik “decided he wished to have sex with her and took his turn to take her to a secluded spot, where he physically struck her while raping her.”

Malik denied the allegations and claimed the sexual encounter was consensual. However, jurors rejected his account and convicted him following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Earlier reporting on the case showed that DNA evidence linked Malik to the offence and that he was later arrested in Newcastle.

A sharp word from the court

During sentencing, Judge Simon Ash KC said the victim had been “drunk and obviously vulnerable” and criticised Malik for showing no remorse.

Addressing the defendant, the judge said: “There is no evidence of remorse or of you having any insight into the serious harm you have caused to the victim. You appear to feel only hostility and anger towards her.”

The court also heard that a pre-sentence report identified what prosecutors described as “distorted thinking” regarding consent, personal entitlement and the treatment of women.

Behind the verdict, lasting scars

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, described the impact of the assault in a personal statement.

She told the court she continued to suffer nightmares and flashbacks. During the trial, she testified, "I was scared; I felt scared of saying no.” Reports also stated that Malik asked the woman, “Did you enjoy that?” after the attack.

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Asylum status and ongoing investigation

Court proceedings heard that Malik was born in Pakistan and had previously lived in Italy, Germany and France before arriving in the UK.

He was awaiting the outcome of an asylum application and had been in Britain for less than a year when the offence occurred, according to evidence presented during sentencing.

Nottinghamshire Police said investigations remain ongoing to locate and arrest another suspect alleged to have assaulted the victim on the same night.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Sheraz Malik and why was he sentenced in the UK?

Ans: Sheraz Malik is a Pakistani-born asylum seeker who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in a Nottinghamshire park.

Q2: Is the Nottinghamshire park rape investigation still ongoing?

Ans: Yes, Nottinghamshire Police said efforts are continuing to locate and arrest another suspect alleged to have assaulted the victim on the same night.