Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping a teenager

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of raping a teenage girl in Newton-le-Willows 14 years ago.

Sayed Miah, of Commercial Road, London, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday 20 February, after a jury found him guilty of rape. 

Miah has also will be required to sign the Sex Offender Register for life.

In 2011, Miah was living in Newton-le-Willows when he raped a 15-year-old girl after she had been walking through an area known locally as “the dingle”. 

A thorough investigation was carried out at the time, but no one was ever brought to justice due to a lack of evidence.

In 2021, Miah was arrested in London for an unrelated offence and his DNA was taken. This resulted in a match for the rape in 2011 and Merseyside Police were able to arrest and charge him.

Detective Constable Alex Fowler said: “I hope this sentencing shows that time is no barrier when we investigate crimes and 14 years later, we have been able to prove Miah’s despicable actions on that day.

“This court result is only possible thanks to the bravery of the victim and also the sheer determination of Merseyside Police in getting her justice.

“Thankfully a jury found him guilty and he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison.”

Detective Constable Fowler added: “Merseyside Police is completely committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and those who seek to do them harm.

“As you can imagine for victims of such an appalling crime, the impact on them is significant and long-lasting.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”
If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:
NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
Childline – call 0800 1111

You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously here: How to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences | Merseyside Police

There is a lot of support available from specialist officers within Merseyside Police and through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside service delivered jointly by two registered charities.

In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.