Rapist Convicted in 2010 Attacks Recommended for Open Prison

Sunny Islam, who was convicted of raping women and a teenage girl in London in 2010, has been recommended for a move to an open prison by the Parole Board. The decision means he is one step closer to potential release.

Islam, now 38, was handed an indefinite prison sentence for a series of attacks that occurred over a three-month period. He was found guilty of seven charges of rape, one of sexual assault, and one of kidnap. During his trial, Islam reportedly told the jury he was a practicing Muslim. His sentence had a minimum term of 11 years, which expired in 2021, with time already served.

The Parole Board's decision to recommend a transfer to open conditions followed a hearing that was held privately. One victim had applied for the hearing to be conducted in public, but this request was denied. The Parole Board cited concerns that a public hearing might cause Islam "anxiety," according to reports.

In a summary of its findings, the Parole Board acknowledged that Islam had "risk factors" that increased the likelihood of reoffending, including previous patterns of offending, preoccupation with sex, a sense of entitlement to sex, relationship difficulties, impulsive behavior, poor stress management, and a lack of understanding of the harm caused to victims.

However, the board also noted that Islam has made "progress" during his time in custody. He has participated in accredited programs aimed at addressing sex offending, decision-making, and cognitive restructuring. He has also engaged in work designed with psychologists to help individuals recognize and manage their problems, including exercises focused on victim empathy. The panel heard evidence that Islam demonstrated the application of learned skills while in custody.

While a full release plan was deemed not "robust enough" by the panel at this stage, they concluded that transfer to an open prison was appropriate. The final decision on whether to accept this recommendation rests with the Secretary of State. Islam will be eligible for another parole review in the future.

If the transfer is approved, Islam would be permitted to leave the open prison for activities such as work or education, subject to strict limitations outlined in a release plan. He was apprehended by police through his girlfriend's car number plate after abducting and raping the 15-year-old victim in September 2010. At the time, he told the girl he was going to "teach her a lesson," a phrase also used in relation to other victims. Investigators previously expressed concerns that Islam may have targeted more women who have not yet come forward.

During his reign of terror, Islam attacked a 20-year-old sex worker in an incident described as his "trademark double rape," during which she was tied up, punched, and robbed. Another victim, a 28-year-old woman, was dragged into his car and forced to commit a sex act before she managed to escape after kicking out a car window and flagging down help. A fourth victim's blood was found in the car along with a knife and restraints, indicating she was also repeatedly assaulted and bound. Islam was 21 at the time of these attacks.