Two of our student policemen apprehended a rape suspect, Awalkhan Sultankhail, in the street after identifying him based on a description of the assailant.
Awalkhan Sultankhail assaulted his victim on Golden Hillock Road, Small Heath, at approximately 4 PM on 27 August 2023.
He originally approached the woman and attempted to initiate a discussion with her. He pursued her into the bushes at a park and sexually assaulted her.
Awalkhan Sultankhail absconded upon being alerted by a member of the public, who subsequently notified the police.
The victim provided a detailed description of her assailant, and our officers successfully retrieved CCTV footage of him.
Police Constables Declan McDevitt and Peter Jones, from our Yardley neighbourhood unit, conducted reassurance patrols in the area four days later when they observed Awalkhan Sultankhail and pursued him. He was apprehended near the intersection of Ladypool Road and Beechfield Road in Sparkbrook for the assault.
PC Jones said: “I was just concentrating on not letting him get away, due to the nature of the offence. I was also concentrated on communicating using my radio to other officers and the control room by letting them know where the suspect was running, in order to get more officers there in case we lost him in the foot chase.
“I felt immensely proud of myself and PC McDevitt as we have caught someone who has committed an horrific offence in broad daylight.
“I went home that day feeling satisfied that I have helped the victim get one step closer getting to the justice she deserves, and knowing that he won’t be able to commit another offence for a long time.”
In interview, Awalkhan Sultankhail denied ever speaking to or following the victim. But with the CCTV, forensic and witness evidence, he was left with no option but to plead guilty.
Last Friday (20 December), Awalkhan Sultankhail, aged 24, of Anderton Road, Birmingham, was jailed for five years and three months, and ordered to spend a further four years on licence, at Birmingham Crown Court.
Supt Emlyn Richards, from Birmingham Police, said: “This was absolutely first-rate work by these two officers, who have only relatively recently joined us.
“The footage shows how the two refused to let the suspect get away, and thanks to their determination, he’s now going to be spending many years behind bars.”
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