Chinese student jailed six years for rape and abuse in Edinburgh

Ziyi Shi, 22, raped and physically abused a woman over 16 months while studying at the University of Edinburgh. He faces deportation to China after release.

Edinburgh student jailed for rape, choking and forcing victim to do his coursework

Ziyi Shi, a 22-year-old Chinese national studying at the University of Edinburgh, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of rape, abusive behaviour and breaching a non-contact order.

The Daily Express reports that Shi raped the woman while she slept, continuing his attacks after she woke and made clear she did not consent. Edinburgh's High Court heard that he slapped her, grabbed her by the neck and bit her on at least one occasion when she refused sex or declined to hand over her phone.

Some of the assaults took place in student accommodation. During one incident, Shi choked the woman and slapped her in the face. The abuse spanned from September 2022 to January 2024. The BBC has reported that he also compelled the victim to complete his university assignments on his behalf.

Shi had maintained throughout that any sexual activity was consensual, but the jury rejected his account. He was found guilty on all charges, including rape, abusive behaviour and violating the conditions of an order barring him from contacting the woman during proceedings.

Gary Allan KC, counsel for the defence, argued that a custodial sentence would separate his client from his family for a considerable period. Shi denied bullying the woman and told the court he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He also informed the court that the University of Edinburgh had already suspended him from his electronics and electrical engineering programme.

Sentencing Shi, Judge Thomas Welsh said that a custodial term for offences of this nature was "inevitable." The judge added that Shi is "very likely" to be deported to China upon completing his sentence.

--- Anyone affected by sexual violence can contact Rape Crisis Scotland free on 08088 01 03 02, Rape Crisis England & Wales on 0808 500 2222, or Rape Crisis Northern Ireland on 0800 0246 991.

Source: Daily Express