A man who fled the country after being convicted of rape and child neglect has been extradited back to the UK to serve his prison sentence.

On Monday 19 January, Foisal Ahmed was sentenced in his absence to eight years' imprisonment at Chester Crown Court.

The 34-year-old had been found guilty of two counts of rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and child neglect following a nine-day trial in September 2025.

In November 2023, Cheshire Police were called to an address in Crewe, where the victim reported that Ahmed had assaulted and raped her multiple times over several months. During this period, he also assaulted the victim's young child.

Officers arrested and interviewed Ahmed in connection with the offences, and he was subsequently charged.

However, he failed to appear in court on the final day of the trial, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Following an international appeal to locate him, detectives linked Ahmed to an address in France.

With the assistance of CPS, Interpol, the National Crime Agency (NCA), the French Judiciary, and the Paris Judicial Police Directorate Ahmed was successfully located and arrested on 28 April 2026.

Ahmed, of West Street, Buckingham, has now been returned to the UK to serve his custodial sentence.

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Detective Constable Amy Pegnam, of Cheshire Constabulary's Force Intelligence Bureau, thanked colleagues in France, Interpol and the NCA, describing the case as an "excellent example of partnership" working to bring offenders to justice.

She said: "I would also like to extend my thanks to the media for covering the sentencing, held in Ahmed's absence, and for their support in publicising our appeal to locate him.

"Thanks to this collective effort, we were able to locate a dangerous individual and bring him back to the UK to face justice for his crimes.

"Ahmed attempted to evade the consequences of his actions, he believed he could escape and continue his life while the victim lived in fear, but he was mistaken.

"Cheshire Constabulary is committed to ensuring that those who pose a threat to women and children are held accountable, and Ahmed was no exception.

"I would also like to commend the victim for her strength and bravery throughout this investigation. I hope this outcome provides her with some reassurance and enables her to begin moving forward, knowing Ahmed is now behind bars where he belongs."