Rapist who broke into victim’s house and assaulted her after she ‘came home early’ is jailed

A man who broke into a woman’s house and raped her after she returned home early from work has been jailed.

Soloman Sanyas, 46, entered the home of his victim through her window while she was out last May, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

The victim returned home earlier than anticipated and found him in a bedroom.

Following a verbal altercation, Sanyas dragged his victim down the stairs and raped her in her living room, jurors were told.

During the investigation, Sanyas intimidated the victim on multiple occasions and had known associates threaten her to stop police intervention, the court heard.

Sanyas, of Wincobank Avenue, Sheffield, was jailed for 10 years on Tuesday after being found guilty of rape, witness intimidation and assault.

He was also given a restraining order for ten years to not contact the victim.

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The victim sustained injuries to her back from being dragged down the stairs on 16 May 2021.

She called 999 to report the crime, during which the call handler described her as being "petrified and distressed".

Detectives and forensic teams attended the victim’s home and began recovering vital evidence.

Forensics showed that Sanyas had gained entry through a window after using garden furniture to climb up.

PC Bernice O'Brien, from the Sheffield Protecting Vulnerable People Team, said: “During this investigation the victim has showed great bravery throughout and I would like to commend her for continuing to ensure Sanyas receives the punishment he deserves.”

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A report by MPs last month concluded that survivors of rape are "being failed by our criminal justice system".

The Commons home affairs committee warned the “unacceptably low” numbers of suspects being taken to court for rape and sexual offences would continue “without stronger reforms” to the criminal justice system and they “will require significant funding to make an impact”.

Police forces in England and Wales recorded the highest number of rapes and sexual offences in a 12-month period in the year to September.

Meanwhile, the proportion of suspects being taken to court has fallen to a new record low and remains the lowest for rape cases.