‘Shocking’ attack leaves Sikh community calling for change after life sentence
A community leader says a “shocking” and “unimaginable” attack has left people “to the core”, after a man was given a life sentence for a series of serious sexual offences.
Jaz Singh, Principal Advisor for the Sikh Federation UK, was at court for the sentencing and said hearing the details again was deeply distressing.
“Hearing what this victim went through… the prolonged, premeditated attack, racial abuse, being raped in her own home repeatedly is something I can’t comprehend,” he said.
He described the judge’s decision to hand down the maximum sentence as “some relief”.
“I think hearing again today from the judge the seriousness of those offences… it was a relief. He did the maximum and that’s some relief in that.”
Mr Singh said the case had not only affected those directly involved but had sent shockwaves through the wider community.
“It shocked not only myself but the community to the core,” he added.
He also warned the attack does not exist in isolation, pointing to what he described as a wider backdrop of rising racial abuse.
“While we’re talking here, there’s racial abuse happening… particularly to people of colour and particularly Sikhs, given our distinct identity,” he said.
While welcoming the sentence, he stressed that more needs to be done beyond the courts.
“I think sentencing is one thing, but political messaging has more power,” he said. “Until that is recognised… and more is done to protect the Sikh community, that’s what will make a difference.”
He said the community now feels “neglected” and is calling for direct engagement and stronger protections.
Mr Singh added he attended court in solidarity with the victim.
“As a Sikh community we are very close-knit… I consider her a younger sister,” he said. “To hear what happened to a sister of ours leaves you very helpless, so this is where we come together in strength.”