Parole Board recommends open prison for Sunny Islam, jailed over 2010 London rapes

The Parole Board has recommended that Sunny Islam, 38, be moved to an open prison. He was given an indefinite sentence for sex attacks on women and a teenage girl in London in 2010. 1 2 The board ruled that it is not 'safe' to free him, but recommended open conditions. The decision on whether to accept that recommendation rests with the Secretary of State. 1 2 His sentence was imprisonment for public protection with a minimum term of 11 years. With time already served, that minimum expired in 2021. 2 1

The hearing was held in private. Both outlets say this was because the thought of a public hearing caused Islam anxiety, even though one of his victims had applied for it to be held in public. 1 2 The Daily Mail quotes his solicitor as saying he reported a 'dramatic increase in his anxiety, including sleep disturbance' and was seeking medical advice. 2 The Parole Board's published summary says risk factors make reoffending more likely, including his previous crimes and pattern of offending. It lists those risk factors at the time of the offences as including thinking he had the right to have sex as and when he wanted, and not understanding the harm to victims. 1 2

The summary also says he has made progress in custody. He took accredited programmes to address sex offending and demonstrated what he learned. 1 2 Full release was supported by his prison officer but opposed by a psychologist and a probation officer, who recommended a transfer to open conditions instead. The Mail adds that the panel found the probation officer's release plan, which had 'strict limitations', 'not robust enough' for managing him in the community. 1 2 Open prisons have minimal security and let eligible prisoners spend much of the day away from the site for work, education or resettlement. The Mail says the Parole Board told him he will be eligible for another review in due course. 1 2

At sentencing, Judge Patricia Lees said he told his 15-year-old victim he would 'teach her a lesson'. She called the words 'a chilling indictment' of his attitude, adding: 'You seem to observe women out at night as not deserving respect or protection.' 1 2 Police traced Islam through the number plate of his girlfriend's car after he kidnapped and raped the 15-year-old at knifepoint in September 2010. His DNA then linked him to three other attacks near Barking, east London, including that of a 20-year-old sex worker in July and a 28-year-old woman in Forest Gate who escaped by kicking out the car's back window. A fourth victim, attacked in September, came forward only after police found her blood in the car along with a knife and plastic ties. 1 2 Islam was convicted of seven charges of rape, one of sexual assault and one of kidnap. The Mail adds that he was 21 at the time and that detectives fear he may have attacked other women who have not come forward. The Standard says it has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment. 1 2