Rapist Convicted in 2010 Terror Campaign May Move to Open Prison

A man convicted of a series of rapes and assaults in London in 2010, during which he targeted women and a teenage girl to 'teach them a lesson,' is being considered for a move to an open prison.

Sunny Islam, 38, was sentenced to an indefinite term for public protection after a three-month period of terror. He abducted his victims at knifepoint, bound them, and assaulted them. The judge at his trial described his attitude as demonstrating that he believed women out at night did not deserve respect or protection.

Islam's minimum sentence of 11 years expired in 2021, accounting for time already served. A recent parole hearing, which was held privately at the request of Islam's legal team due to concerns about his 'anxiety,' recommended him for transfer to an open prison.

The Parole Board stated that while they did not consider it safe for Islam to be released into the community at this stage, they found he met the criteria for placement in open conditions. This decision means he is one step closer to potential release. The Secretary of State will now decide whether to accept this recommendation.

During his offending in 2010, Islam, then 21, was convicted of seven counts of rape, one sexual assault, and one kidnapping. His victims included a 15-year-old girl, whom he told he was going to 'teach her a lesson.' Investigators at the time believed he may have attacked other women who had not yet come forward.

The Parole Board's summary noted that Islam had exhibited risk factors, including a preoccupation with sex, a belief in his right to sexual gratification, poor relationship skills, impulsivity, and difficulties understanding the harm caused to his victims. However, the board also acknowledged progress made during his incarceration.

According to the Parole Board, Islam participated in accredited programs aimed at addressing sex offending, decision-making, and cognitive restructuring. He also engaged in work focused on victim empathy and demonstrated an application of learned skills. A proposed release plan involving strict limitations was deemed not robust enough by the panel.

Islam was apprehended after the kidnapping and rape of the 15-year-old, with police tracing him through his girlfriend's car license plate. His DNA was subsequently linked to three other attacks in the East London area. Victims described experiencing brutal assaults, including being punched repeatedly and strangled. One victim told the court she felt treated like an animal and thought she was going to die.

An application by one of Islam's victims for the parole hearing to be conducted in public was denied. The board cited concerns about Islam's reported increase in anxiety and potential for a de-stabilizing effect should he face public scrutiny. His legal representative indicated that Islam had reported sleep disturbances and was seeking medical advice for his anxiety.