A 27-year-old man has been charged with three counts of rape following an attack on a woman in a popular Nottinghamshire park that prompted increased police patrols and widespread community concern.
Sheraz Malik, of Bath Street in Sutton-in-Ashfield, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with three counts of rape and possession of cannabis in connection with the incident at Sutton Lawn on 29 June.
The attack took place between 9pm and 10pm at the Green Flag Award-winning park, which features woodland, grassed areas and recreational facilities in the heart of Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Victim Support Continues
Malik was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 19 August following the brief hearing at the magistrates’ court.
Detective Inspector Nicole Milner, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim continues to be supported by officers and has been informed about this important development in our investigation.
The detective inspector added that police understood the incident had caused significant concern in the local community and hoped the charges would provide reassurance to residents.
Previous Arrests in Investigation
The charges follow initial arrests of three men in the days after the incident. Two men aged 23 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of rape, whilst a 21-year-old was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All three were subsequently released on conditional bail whilst detectives continued their extensive enquiries into the attack.
Detective Sergeant Liam Cowan had previously stated: “Specialist officers were immediately deployed to support the victim while detectives carried out inquiries to understand exactly what happened.
Popular Park Setting
Sutton Lawn, also known as The Lawn, is situated on the former Sutton Hall site and forms part of the Mill Waters green space network between Sutton-in-Ashfield and Mansfield.
The park features a lake popular with anglers, a circular one-kilometre path for walkers and runners, play areas, sports facilities including tennis courts and a skate park, and a café.
It regularly hosts community events and a junior parkrun every Sunday morning, making it a focal point for families and residents in the area.
Increased Police Presence
Following the attack, Nottinghamshire Police increased patrols in and around Sutton Lawn to provide reassurance to the community and maintain a visible presence.
Neighbourhood teams have continued these enhanced patrols whilst officers carry out their investigation into the incident.
We know the incident caused concern in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area so I hope this charge provides reassurance to the wider community,” Detective Inspector Milner said.
Appeal for Information
Despite the charges, police are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the park around the time of the offence to come forward with information.
Officers are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with CCTV, doorbell camera footage, dashcam recordings or mobile phone footage from the area on the evening of 29 June.
Investigations continue into the incident and anyone who has any relevant information should call 101, quoting incident 19 of 30 June 2025, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” a police spokesperson said.
Crime Statistics Context
The attack occurred in an area where crime statistics show violence and sexual offences are the most common reported crimes, though such serious incidents in public parks remain relatively rare.
Sutton-in-Ashfield recorded 1,514 violence and sexual offences during 2023, representing a 10 per cent decrease from the previous year’s figure of 1,681 offences.
Local authorities work closely with police to maintain safety in public spaces, with Ashfield District Council operating CCTV systems and community protection officers across its parks and recreational areas.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Malik’s case will next be heard at Nottingham Crown Court on 19 August, where he is expected to enter pleas to the charges.
The three counts of rape carry potential sentences of life imprisonment upon conviction, whilst possession of cannabis is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue whilst the victim receives ongoing support from specially trained officers within Nottinghamshire Police.
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