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Jury Hears 'Please Help Me' Text and DNA Link in Sutton-in-Ashfield Rape Trial

Jurors are weighing consent after prosecutors presented DNA findings alongside the woman's recorded police interview.

Overview

  • Sheraz Malik, 28, is on trial at Birmingham Crown Court charged with three counts of rape, which he denies.
  • Prosecutors say an 18-year-old was assaulted in two separate incidents minutes apart on June 29 at Sutton Lawn by an unidentified man and then by Malik.
  • The woman's police interview, played to the jury, described being led away "like on a leash" and physically assaulted as she said she did not consent.
  • Forensic swabs taken days later contained Malik’s DNA, with the prosecution stating the central issue for jurors is whether any sexual activity was consensual.
  • After the alleged attack, the woman messaged a friend on Snapchat saying "please help me" before contacting police; Malik was arrested on July 18 after returning from Newcastle and gave no comment in interview.