Ex-councillor jailed for rape and assault of woman

A former Worcester councillor has been jailed after a jury found him guilty of raping and assaulting a woman.

Shawaz Ditta, 31, denied the charges but was convicted of one count of rape and two counts of assault which involved weapons.

The Conservative was elected to Worcester City Council in May 2022, with the offences taking place during his time in office.

A judge handed him a nine year jail sentence at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday.

His conviction prompted shock from local political leaders.

Council leader Lynn Denham said: "I feel desperately sorry for the victim and what Shafaz put her through, the court proceedings and everything since.

"I hope she's doing ok and is getting the support she needs."

Marc Bayliss, chairman of Worcestershire Conservative Party and deputy police and crime commissioner, said the offences were "heinous and absolutely unacceptable".

"My thoughts are with the victim and I'm delighted that justice has been done", he said.

Lib Dem councillor Sarah Murray said Ditta had betrayed the standards expected of those in public office.

She said: "Voters expect their elected representatives to act with integrity, decency and respect for others.

"This horrific behaviour betrays those expectations, casts a shadow over local public life and damages public trust.

"No position, reputation or political connection should ever shield an abuser from accountability."

Ditta was also handed a 10-year restraining order preventing him from contacting or approaching the victim.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £288.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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