Survivors 'betrayed' after rapist fled to Pakistan while on bail
Victims of a serial rapist have expressed outrage after their attacker, Amar Ilyas, fled to Pakistan while on bail. Despite being sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexual offences against five girls, Ilyas was permitted to keep his passport, allowing him to escape justice.
Why it matters
The case highlights significant public concern regarding judicial bail policies and the potential for high-risk offenders to evade sentencing.
Image source, National Crime Agency Image caption, Amar Ilyas was released on court bail before his trial, during which time he travelled to Pakistan
Yorkshire home and social affairs correspondent Published 20 minutes ago Three women who were sexually abused by a serial rapist have said they feel "betrayed" and "frustrated" after their attacker fled to Pakistan while on bail.
Amar Ilyas, 41, was convicted of 20 sexual offences against five girls in Sheffield and was sentenced, in his absence, to a minimum of 27 years in prison.
One of his victims told the BBC she had assumed his passport would automatically be surrendered after he was charged and said she was "so disappointed in the law."
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