High Wycombe man who enslaved and sexually abused women jailed

A man who subjected two women to sexual abuse and enslaved one of them has been jailed for nearly three decades.

Muhammad Arshad was sentenced to 27 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of modern slavery and sexual assault offences.

The 47-year-old, of Chairborough Road, High Wycombe, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on Friday following an eight-day trial last year.

Det Con Emily Sendall, from Thames Valley Police, said Arshad had committed “truly horrendous” crimes.

During trial it was found that Arshad had subjected two women to a campaign of sexual abuse between January 2018 and July 2024.

Between 2019 and 2024, he held one of the women in servitude, raping and assaulting her.

“Muhammad Arshad was a well-respected man in the community until this offending was uncovered,” Det Con Sendall said.

Arshad was found guilty of one count of modern slavery, seven counts of rape, two counts of assault, one count of common assault, three counts of sexual assault and one count of threatening to disclose a private sexual image. Some of the rape counts included multiple offences of rape.

He was acquitted of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of assault.

“During our investigation, we were able to evidence the years of abuse,” added Det Con Sendall.

She praised the victims for having the courage to come forward.

“I would like to thank the victims for their incredible bravery and providing evidence,” she said.

“If you are a victim of a sexual offence or have information about sexual offences, please contact the force.

“We have specially trained officers who will listen and support you.”