A 25-year-old man has been jailed today for 10 years for raping a woman he had been harassing during a night out in Southampton.

Musafar Hotak began following a woman, who had been on a night out with friends, in the city centre, paying her unwanted attention.

A court heard on Tuesday 12 July, 2022, he approached the 24-year-old woman, who was trying to find her partner. He told her he knew her partner, and offered to help reunite them.

Instead, he led her to his own address, where he went on to ignore her repeated pleas for him to stop and sexually assaulted and raped her. She eventually managed to push him away and flee the property.

In a statement to the court, the victim described how her life had been “destroyed in ways she never thought possible, something me shattered.” She spoke of living “in fear, shame, silence, and unbearable pain that I still can’t fully describe. I was left feeling broken, empty, and terrified of the world around me.” She told the court “I had lost every piece of myself, and it felt like there was no way back. I felt like a stranger in my own skin,” adding that “before this, I was full of life.” but following the attack “it’s exhausting to live in constant fear.” She said the impact “has left scars on every part of my life. I’ve been surviving it every day since.”

When the victim reported the attack to police, an investigation was launched, with support for her from specialist officers.

As part of this investigation, forensic samples were taken at the time the offence was reported. However, Hotak had left the country and was not able to be arrested until he returned to the UK in 2024.

Hotak, an Afghan national who lived in Mount Pleasant Road, Southampton, had denied raping the woman, but was found guilty following a trial at Southampton Crown Court last month.

Today, at the same court, he has been jailed for 10 years.

Along with his time in behind bars Hotak will put on the Sex Offenders Register for life and is subject to a restraining order.

Detective constable Laura Cook, the officer leading the investigation said “We are pleased to see Hotak behind bars for what he has done.

“Reducing violence against women and girls is a priority for us, and this case shows our determination to pursue offenders and protect victims.

“This has been a long and incredibly difficult journey for the victim, and her courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation has been truly commendable.

“I also want to recognise the dedication of the wider investigations team, whose hard work and professionalism throughout this case helped ensure that a dangerous offender has been brought to justice.

“I hope today’s outcome brings the victim some sense of closure after everything she has endured.”

Anyone affected by sexual abuse or any crime of a sexual nature is encouraged to contact police on 101, where you can speak to an officer in confidence.

Support is also available for those who do not feel ready to speak to police. Information on specialist services for victims of rape and sexual assault can be found on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/