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	Son Will Not Visit Woman Raped by Hindu Priest By Jack Royston Harrow Times December 17, 2008 http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/3985282.Rape_victim_s_son_made_judge__profoundly_sad_/ THE son of a woman who was raped by a Hindu priest said he does not know who to blame for the crime. Shashikant Vyas, 61, has admitted forcing a 41-year-old woman, who recently tried to kill herself, to have sex with him against her will and was jailed for four-and-a-half years today. But her son told Harrow Crown Court he does not plan to visit his mother, who is still in hospital after the suicide attempt, and is not sure who to blame for what happened. Cross examining her son, Judge Alan Greenwood said: “He's admitted raping her but you don't know who to blame. Why?” The son replied: “Because I don't believe he is capable of it.” He said visiting his mother in hospital would have made things worse, and claimed she told him not to see his sister. The attack left the 41-year-old with injuries to her arms and breasts, as well as psychologically traumatising her. She has made at least four suicide attempts and the most recent, on Sunday, left her with burns to her head, arms and chest. Sentencing Vyas, Judge Alan Greenwood said: “I'm sure you understand rape is a very serious offence. “Women must be given protection by courts from an offence which has serious consequences for them – physical, emotional, psychological and social consequences.” He added: “In evidence which made me profoundly sad her own son told me this morning that even now, when she is in intensive care in hospital, he has no intention of visiting her. “I'm not for one moment saying that all of this is all your responsibility but the consequences of her rape are your responsibility.” The court heard how the victim has said she did want a relationship with Vyas, but Judge Greenwood said he did not believe she wanted it to be a sexual relationship outside marriage. Vyas stripped off his victim's clothes and pinned her down during the assault, which took place in February. She says friends blame her for bringing about the prosecution. Vyas came to Britain from India four years ago. Judge Greenwood did not recommend him for deportation but said government legislation may mean he is automatically sent back to India due to the seriousness of his crime. He was made to sign the sex offender's register for life.
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