Man jailed for raping woman in Darwen
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The man pictured is Imran Ayyaz and he is a rapist.
On 30th July 2023 the victim awoke to find Ayyaz raping her. The victim repeatedly told Ayyaz to stop before screaming at him, only then did he stop.
The attack happened at a property in Darwen.
Ayyaz was arrested the following day and provided a pre-prepared statement denying any wrongdoing. He then refused to answer any questions that were put to him by the interviewing officers.
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Services, 29-year-old Ayyaz was charged with rape.
He continued to deny the offence but was found guilty by a jury at Preston Crown Court last Friday (11th April 2025).
Ayyaz, now of no fixed address but formerly of Lynwood Road, Blackburn, returned to the same court yesterday where he was jailed for seven years. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
DC Alyson Richards, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: “Ayyaz is a dangerous individual who took advantage of his victim while she was in an extremely vulnerable state. Who knew she was not consenting to what he was doing and continued his lies during his police interview and throughout the trial. The jury saw through those lies and delivered a guilty verdict.
“I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim for her bravery throughout this process and for trusting the police to hold the man who raped her to account and put him before the courts.
“I hope the outcome of this case encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward, confident that you will be believed and listened to, and that we will do everything in our powers to put the perpetrator before the courts.”
If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a sexual offence, report it online via https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/ or call 101. If a crime is in progress always call 999.
