Telford rapist jailed for 10 years

A rapist who used his victim as a 'sexual plaything' during a series of brutal attacks was this afternoon jailed for 10 years.

Shahmeel Khan, 24, raped his victim, an A-level student, three times, forcing her to flee Telford to get away from him.

Khan, of Victoria Avenue, Wellington, was given three concurrent 10-year jail terms at Shrewsbury Crown Court this afternoon.

The court heard he was already behind bars for an indeterminate period after a serious robbery.

The new 10-year jail term will be added to the end of his existing sentence and police said it would be at least 2020 before he could even apply for parole.

At an earlier hearing, a jury found Khan guilty of the three offences, which happened between June and August 2007.

Mr Mark Heywood, prosecuting, said the incident forced the victim to move away from the area.

Judge Robin Onions told Khan: "You are a man of bad character, this was serious offending.

"I know you do not accept these offences but you were found guilty by a jury.

"You effectively used her as a sexual plaything. You bullied her because you could, you were stronger and more mature.

"She was a vulnerable, single girl living on her own.

"You do have potential but at the moment it is being wasted.

"I have to sentence as a punishment to you and as a warning to others."

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, from West Mercia Police, said he hoped the sentence would act as some consolation for the victim and her family.

Mr Jamieson said: "Only Shahmeel Khan himself knows the reason why he carried out these three attacks – attacks that he has shown absolutely no remorse for."

Mrs Wendy Hewitt, representing the defendant, said that Khan was a young man who had had a difficult upbringing.

By James Pugh