Man Jailed for Rape and Assault in Lancashire

Rahmat Qalander, a 23-year-old from Nelson, was sentenced to ten years in prison for raping a vulnerable woman on the X43 bus from Burnley to Manchester on February 1. He forced the victim, who is in her 20s, to the back of the bus before the assault, after which she bravely reported the incident to the driver and police. Following investigations, Qalander was also charged with a second sexual assault on a 16-year-old girl that occurred a few days later. The judge at Preston Crown Court classified him as a dangerous offender, mandating that he serve two-thirds of his sentence before release, followed by three years on licence. Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Denson commended the victims for their courage in coming forward and emphasized the community's safety from Qalander's predatory behavior. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals in public transport settings.