By The Nexus Gazette.
20th August, 2024.
In a case that has sent shockwaves across the UK, convicted serial rapist and killer Mohammed Akram has been handed an indeterminate life sentence for a series of brutal sexual assaults. The 66-year-old predator continued his violent spree against women despite winning a controversial legal battle in 2017 that removed strict police checks designed to monitor his behavior.
Mohammed Akram’s criminal history is marked by a disturbing pattern of violence and sexual offenses. His first major conviction came in 1979 when he was jailed for culpable homicide. This was followed by a 2003 conviction for sexually assaulting a teenage girl. Despite these serious offenses, Akram fought the law and, in 2017, succeeded in having his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) removed. The court’s decision, which deemed him no longer a risk, proved tragically flawed as Akram continued to prey on vulnerable women.
Between 2010 and 2021, Akram was found guilty of physically and sexually abusing three women, including a pregnant victim. The attacks took place in Edinburgh and Glasgow, further highlighting the failure of the system to protect potential victims from a known offender. Akram’s most recent conviction also brought to light his earlier crime of raping a vulnerable girl in 1997, a case that had remained unresolved until now.
Akram’s criminal record is extensive and troubling. His 1979 conviction for culpable homicide set a dark precedent, and his 2003 sentence for sexually assaulting a teenage girl only added to the severity of his crimes. Despite these convictions, the removal of the SOPO in 2017 gave Akram the freedom to continue his violent and predatory behavior.
During sentencing, Judge Gillian Wade condemned Akram’s actions and emphasized his unchanged propensity to reoffend. Despite previous attempts to rehabilitate Akram, the court recognized the ongoing threat he posed to society, particularly to women. The indeterminate life sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and aims to prevent any further harm.
Mohammed Akram’s case has sparked widespread concern about the effectiveness of the legal system in managing repeat offenders. The 2017 decision to remove his SOPO has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it left women at risk. This case underscores the importance of maintaining strict legal protections for potential victims and the need for ongoing scrutiny of individuals with a history of violent and sexual crimes.
The sentencing of Mohammed Akram serves as a grim reminder of the challenges in protecting society from dangerous individuals. As public attention continues to focus on this case, it raises critical questions about how the legal system can better manage repeat offenders and ensure that justice is served for all victims.
Resources:
1.https://www.yahoo.com/news/preys-vulnerable-serial-rapist-convicted-235748574.html
2.https://www.oaoa.com/local-news/jury-convicts-serial-rapist/
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgjvg801zxgo
4.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50714004