Locations
Union Street, Middlesbrough, TS1
Description
A former soap opera extra, Rizwan Khan—known as "Riz"—has been jailed for raping two women in separate incidents years apart.
He was also sentenced for sexually assaulting one of the rape victims and for causing unnecessary suffering to a child by slapping them.
Teesside Crown Court heard that Khan told one victim, "I need what I need. I want what I want. You, as a woman, should abide by what a man wants," before raping her despite her repeated refusals. He punched and slapped her, and both victims testified to his violence. The second victim awoke to him assaulting her.
Khan denied the charges but was convicted by a jury in August of two rapes, one sexual assault, and child cruelty; he was cleared of four other rape counts.
At sentencing on Tuesday, Khan stood emotionless as prosecutor Robin Turton read victim statements. One said she suffers anxiety and nightmares: "What he did goes round and round in my head. When I see his face in the newspaper, I feel sick."
Defense barrister Andrew Stranex said Khan maintains his innocence: "It would be quite bizarre if he said he did it, after standing trial." He added, "He is concerned about his parents and their healthcare. Any account saying there's social care available, doesn't take into account the level of his care for them."
Judge Paul Reid noted, "Your pre-sentence report says you demonstrate entitlement and hostility towards females."
Khan, of Union Street in Middlesbrough, was sentenced to 11 years and nine months in prison. He must sign the sex offenders' register for life, is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, and restraining orders prohibit contact with the victims.
During trial, Khan said he worked in a Stokesley call center before pursuing acting at 34, going to the gym daily as jobs came in. He appeared in Hollyoaks and ITV's Vera.