Liman Matubber 26

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Man Jailed for Nine Years for Rape in Carlisle

Liman Matubber, 26, formerly of Warwick Road, Carlisle, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after a jury at Carlisle Crown Court convicted him of rape and threatening a person with a blade.

Matubber denied the offences and continues to protest his innocence. The court heard he forced himself on the woman despite her repeated protests that she did not want sex and threatened her with a knife, causing her to fear she was about to be stabbed and scream.

Summarising the offence, Judge Michael Fanning said: “She repeatedly told him she did not want to have sex. But you had sex against her will and against her protests.”

Matubber appeared via prison video link, at times holding his head in his hands. The jury returned majority guilty verdicts on both counts.

Defence barrister John Crawford said the defendant had encountered a “significant cultural shift” since moving to the UK. He was granted asylum after claiming political persecution in Bangladesh and had experienced suicidal feelings while in custody.

Judge Fanning noted Matubber’s previous good character and said authorities would consider the risks he would face if returned to Bangladesh. He told the defendant: “The fact that you have been convicted of serious offences in this country does not mean that you deserve to be thrown to the wolves back in Bangladesh; this country rightly protects even those who commit the worst offences...”

The judge described the rape as “deeply traumatic” and ordered Matubber to be placed on the Sex Offender Register indefinitely. He now faces possible deportation after serving his sentence.

Detective Constable Josh Daniel said after the hearing:

“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting what happened to her to police.

“I hope the sentence passed today gives the victim in this case some closure.

“We continue to urge anyone who has been victim of a sexual offence to contact police so that our officers can investigate.

“We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, and we are committed to supporting victims every step of the way.”