Survivors 'betrayed' after Sheffield rapist fled to Pakistan while on bail
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Three women who were sexually abused by a serial rapist have expressed their feelings of "betrayal" and "frustration" after their attacker fled to Pakistan while on bail.
Amar Ilyas, 41, was convicted of 20 sexual offences against five girls in Sheffield and sentenced, in absentia, to a minimum of 27 years in prison.
One of his victims told the BBC she felt "disappointed in the law" as she assumed his passport would be surrendered after he was charged.
The government stated that "decisions on bail restrictions are a matter for the independent judiciary", while the National Crime Agency (NCA) assured they were "making every effort to ensure Ilyas is brought before the court".
A woman, who was abused by Amar Ilyas at the age of 13, said she felt "cheated" as she was unable to leave her home due to her trauma, yet her abuser was able to leave the country. She added:
"There is no justice... he didn't take accountability. He's not getting any consequences for his actions."
Another victim expressed similar sentiments, stating:
"I just know [Ilyas] is in Pakistan and they're doing what they can, but I've been told it's very difficult with Pakistan with extradition. Shame on him but shame on the law too, they allowed that to happen."
These women, who have anonymity guaranteed, spoke to the BBC to advocate for changes to prevent sex offenders from absconding during court proceedings.