Hassan Rauf from Yardley was jailed in his absence after fleeing to Pakistan following convictions for kidnap, robbery and supplying Class A drugs (Image: WMP)

'Coward' who fled to Pakistan after violent kidnap of Birmingham student finally behind bars

Hassan Rauf, now 27, fled to Pakistan after subjecting a Birmingham student to a kidnapping ordeal in May 2019

by · Birmingham Live

A violent "coward" who fled to Pakistan to avoid being jailed for kidnapping and beating a Birmingham student has finally been put behind bars. Hassan Rauf, from Yardley, was sentenced in his absence alongside two other men in 2020 over kidnapping, robbery and drugs convictions.

The 27-year-old, of Fast Pits Road, was sentenced to 11 years - nine years after being convicted of kidnapping, robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary and another two for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. But Rauf skipped the country as his accomplices served their sentences.

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West Midlands Police officers arrested Rauf when he arrived back in the UK in August this year. On October 10 at Teesside Crown Court he was convicted of two bail act offences for failing to attend court and had three months added to his total sentence.

The force said Rauf was convicted of kidnapping a college student in May 2019. He snatched the victim, took him to his own house and burgled the home alongside two other defendants before robbing him in a park. The drugs offences were committed in Worcester.

Det Sgt Craig Tennant, from Force CID, said: “Rauf was cowardly and attempted to evade justice by taking a flight abroad and not facing sentencing at court. However, we were determined to get justice for his victims and get him back behind bars to serve his sentence.

“This sends out a clear message to others intent on carrying out offences of this nature and attempting to avoid justice – you won’t get away with it.”