Ansar Younis 41

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A Sheffield man has been jailed this month for rape after members of the public bravely secured evidence against him.

Ansar Younis, 41, of Hatherley Road, Sheffield, raped an unconscious woman in Sheffield city centre at 1.14am on 20 September 2025.

Witnesses called the ambulance service who then called South Yorkshire Police to the scene of the attack. The ambulance service took the woman to hospital to be treated for injuries, and complete an early evidence kit to provide forensic evidence.

Four girls who witnessed the assault challenged Younis and when he ignored them they filmed the attack in order to provide evidence against Younis.

Upon arrival of officers, one of the witnesses was able to identify Younis, leading to his arrest.

Younis was interviewed on the day of his arrest, but provided no comment to all questions.

He was charged with rape and remanded into custody. Younis pleaded not guilty to the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court on 31 March 2026.

Earlier this month (2 July) Younis was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Sophie Windle, the officer in charge of the case, said:

“This was a horrific attack against a woman who did not and could not consent.

“Rather than talk about the man who carried out this sick act, I would like to recognise the bravery of the four girls who intervened to record the offence, providing evidence that was absolutely instrumental at trial.

“Sheffield District Commander Jamie Henderson thanked the girls following the incident, and I would like to add my thanks now that justice has been served. These girls were upstanders, not bystanders. As soon as they realised what was happening they stepped in and they have helped put a rapist behind bars.”