Life sentence for Accrington man who sexually assaulting two women

Friday, 12 June 2026 16:13

By Central Radio News

A 70-year-old man from Accrington man has been given a life sentence for raping and sexually assaulting two vulnerable women.

Shah Nawaz targeted his victims after befriending them.

The women didn’t know one another and were preyed upon by Nawaz on different occasions.

Nawaz had a history of sexual offending, with him jailed in 1982 for rape and then for sexual offences in 1988 – both his victims in those cases being teenagers.

When sentenced at Preston Crown Court this week, Nawaz was described by Judge Robert Altham as being an ‘extremely dangerous, predatory sexual offender.'

The judge passed a life sentence, with Nawaz ordered to serve a minimum of 13 years and 362 days in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole.

One of his victims was a woman in her 20s who had learning difficulties, Nawaz raping and sexually assaulting her in his car.

The second victim was aged in her 40s and she too had learning difficulties.

Nawaz, formerly of Gloucester Avenue, Accrington, committed offences against her at his home and where she lived.

Initially, Nawaz denied the offences and was due to go on trial at Burnley Crown Court.

His two victims both gave evidence and were cross-examined, after which Nawaz pleaded guilty to six charges of rape, six charges of sexual assault and two charges of assault by penetration.

DC David Richardson of the East Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team, said: “The victims have been incredibly brave in coming forward and going through the investigation and court process.

“Nawaz’s offending has spanned five decades, and the sentence imposed by the judge will ensure that he cannot target vulnerable people in Accrington again.

“If you have been a victim of crime, please report it to us by contacting 101 and we will support you and investigate.”