A VULNERABLE woman was raped on a bus before her “dangerous” attacker fled at the next stop.
Rahmat Qalander, 23, had been sitting next to the victim, in her 20s, upstairs when he forced her to the back of the bus and raped her.
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The horrifying ordeal took place between Burnley and Manchester on February 1 earlier this year, before Qalander exited at the next stop.
The woman, who had a number of vulnerabilities, then reported the rape to the driver.
Qalander also sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl, again on a bus, near Burnley just five days later.
He was subsequently identified and arrested by cops, before being charged with two counts of sexual assault and a single count of rape.
Qalander was today described as a “dangerous sexual predator” as he was jailed for 10 years at Preston Crown Court.
He must serve two thirds of his jail term before he can be released and will remain on licence for a further three years.
Temporary Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Denson, of Lancashire Police, said: “Qalander is clearly a dangerous sexual predator who targeted lone and vulnerable young women to carry out his offending.
“I would like to commend the victims in this case for their bravery in disclosing what happened to them and for having the courage to go through the court process.
“I am pleased that justice has been served for them and for the wider community who will be protected from this dangerous offender for many years.”
