A man who raped a woman more than 20 years ago has been jailed for six and a half years today, 10 July, following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation.
The woman was in her early 20s when she met Amer Khan, 42, of Rotherham in 2002.
After they had known each other for around a year, Khan – also in his early 20s at the time – became verbally and physically abusive, the woman told NCA officers.
She related how Khan would sometimes pinch, slap and punch her.
Khan’s violence escalated after he pressured the woman to have sex with him during a picnic one day. The woman refused and, fearing what Khan would do, she tried to run away, however Khan caught then raped her.
The victim recounted to officers her distress during and after the incident. She recalled crying at the time and Khan blaming her for what he had done.
Officers from Operation Stovewood – the NCA’s enquiry into historic allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham – began an investigation in 2022 after they identified the woman was a victim of rape in the course of separate enquiries.
They charged Khan in February 2024. Khan was today found guilty of one count of rape at Sheffield Crown Court, after which the judge immediately sentenced him. Once released from prison, Khan must sign the sex offenders’ register.
Senior investigator Kath Blain, from the NCA’s Operation Stovewood, said: “When the victim first met Khan he showed no signs of being violent, however after gaining the woman’s trust Khan became abusive and that behaviour quickly escalated to sexual violence.
“Specially-trained National Crime Agency investigators listened to the victim’s account and sought corroborating evidence. Our evidence and the victim’s brave testimony has resulted in Khan being convicted more than twenty years after he committed his crime.
“I urge anyone who has been raped or sexual abused, at any time in their life, to report it to the police, who are ready and waiting to help.”Help is also available by calling the free Rape Crisis support line, open 24 hours a day, on 0808 500 2222 or visiting 247SexualAbuseSupport.org.uk.
The NCA’s Operation Stovewood remains the single biggest investigation of its kind, looking at allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. To date 43 people – including Khan – have been convicted.
10 July 2025
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