Ipswich – Man jailed for rape

A 43-year-old man has been jailed for the rape of a woman in Ipswich, which occurred more than five years ago.

Hamza Badat, formerly of Levington Road in Ipswich, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court today, Friday 10 May, where he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, after being found guilty of rape last month following a five-day trial.

The offence occurred on 25 October 2018.

The victim, who was 22 years’ old at the time, had attended a mutual friend’s house that evening, with friends, where she met Badat. He later dragged the victim into a bedroom and raped her.

The victim and Badat were not known to each other prior to the day of the attack.

Badat was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely.  

Investigating officer DC Damian Richer said: “This assault on a vulnerable woman was a despicable act and one that the victim has had to live with. In her impact statement she said she will ‘carry this with me, like a nail in the back, with no choice.’

“The victim has shown incredible courage and strength and has had to wait an incredible amount of time due to a number of adjournments that were out of her control. I hope the sentence handed down to Badat will give her some comfort and would like to thank the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) who supported her throughout this process.

“I am also grateful to the witnesses who gave evidence that led to convicting this man, who will now have a number of years, behind bars,  to reflect on his actions and the destruction he has caused.

“I hope this outcome underlines our commitment to prosecuting sex offenders and that it encourages anyone else who is a victim of this type of offence to come forward.”

To report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences please visit: https://www.suffolk.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/v1/rape-sexual-assault-other-sexual-offences/

Suffolk also has a dedicated Sexual Assault Referral Centre) and a team of specialist ISVA’s (independent sexual violence advisors) who support any victims who come forward to report rape or serious sexual offences, either to police or directly to the SARC. For more information, visit https://theferns-suffolk.org.uk/