Ansar Younis, 41, of Sheffield, was sentenced to nine years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on July 2 after being found guilty of raping an unconscious woman in the city centre.
The attack occurred at around 1am on September 20 last year. The victim was unconscious and unable to consent during the assault. Four teenage girls who witnessed the incident confronted Younis and urged him to stop. When he ignored their pleas, they began recording the assault on their phones, capturing crucial evidence.
Emergency response and investigation
Emergency services were alerted after witnesses contacted the ambulance service, which notified police. The victim was taken to hospital, where she received treatment for her injuries and forensic evidence was collected. The girls later identified Younis to investigators, leading to his arrest and charge.
Conviction and sentencing
Following a trial in March, Younis was found guilty of rape. He was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on July 2 to nine years' imprisonment.
Police praise for witnesses
Detective Constable Sophie Windle, the investigating officer, described the offence as "a horrific attack against a woman who did not and could not consent." She praised the four girls, saying: "I would like to recognise the bravery of the four girls who intervened to record the offence, providing evidence that was absolutely instrumental at trial."
Windle added: "These girls were upstanders, not bystanders. As soon as they realised what was happening they stepped in and they have helped put a rapist behind bars."
Police said the case highlights the importance of bystander intervention and the vital role witnesses can play in helping bring offenders to justice while supporting victims of serious sexual offences.
