A man has been found to have attempted to rape a homeless woman as she lay either dying or already dead inside a tent in a UK city centre. Hassan Shah was captured on CCTV entering the tent, which had been pitched in Kirkgate, Bradford, on November 8 last year.
Inside was a 26-year-old woman who was either unconscious or already deceased. Shah was then filmed lying beside the woman before removing her clothing. He made no attempt to speak to the woman or check on her wellbeing.
Court hears victim was dead when crews arrived
On Monday, Bradford Crown Court heard the woman was discovered dead when 999 crews arrived at the scene following the attack. Prosecutor Mr Wright told the court: "During the entire incident you will see that (the victim) does not move. The reason that she did not move is that she was either dying or in fact dead at the time."
Mr Wright said when emergency services arrived, it was discovered the woman had died. CCTV footage was shown to the court, reports Yorkshire Live.
Death unconnected to defendant
Mr Wright said: "I should make it clear at the outset that (she) died for reasons unconnected to Mr Shah. She had taken synthetic cannabis or 'spice' and a lot of alcohol and that is what caused her death."
The jury were informed that a judge had previously determined that due to Shah's low IQ and learning difficulties he was "unfit to plead" and he was absent from court during proceedings to establish whether he "did the acts" alleged against him.
Jury findings and sentencing decision
Following deliberation of the evidence presented, the jury delivered unanimous findings that Shah, of Edderthorpe Street, Bradford, "did the acts" concerning charges of attempted rape and attempted assault by penetration.
Judge Kirstie Watson stated the case would need to be postponed until December for reports to be compiled before Shah could be sentenced. Given Shah's disability and the determination that he was "unfit to plead" he cannot receive a custodial sentence for his offences, but the judge must decide whether a hospital order, supervision order or discharge would be suitable in this case.
