In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Bo Yang, then 41, of Winn Grove, Sheffield, was sentenced to a total of 23 years for a “vile” and “vicious” campaign of sexual and physical violence. On Friday, 6 February 2026, Yang appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing after being found guilty of multiple counts, including rape, robbery, and assault.
The investigation established that Yang attended the victim’s address in Burnley, Lancashire, at 11 pm on 15 April 2025. Following a disagreement regarding money, he “viciously” produced a knife and a metal bar, which he used to “savagely” beat the victim before raping and sexually assaulting her. Not content with the sexual attack, Yang “vilely” used rope and tape to bind the victim and slashed her with a knife. He then “reprehensibly” used the victim’s phone and facial recognition in an attempt to steal money from her bank account. The victim’s five-hour ordeal only ended when she managed to escape and seek help from neighbours at 3.46 am.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Yang was identified through a “meticulous” investigation involving CCTV and forensic evidence, including fingerprints recovered from the tape used to bind the victim. In a landmark achievement for Lancashire Police, officers successfully recovered data from ‘WeChat’, which provided “vital” evidence during the trial. The judge emphasised that the level of “vicious” planning—carrying a bag containing a knife, metal bar, rope, and tape—demonstrated a “vile” and predatory intent.
The judge emphasised that the impact on the survivor has been “serious,” causing ongoing physical and mental health issues, including insomnia and nightmares. The prosecution emphasised that Yang’s actions were “reprehensible” and showed a complete lack of human decency. For his crimes in Burnley, the court determined that Yang posed an extreme danger to the public, resulting in an 18-year custodial term followed by five years on extended licence.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in England, Bo Yang was handed:
- Custodial Sentence: 18 years in immediate custody.
- Extended Licence: A further five years on licence (total sentence of 23 years).
- Deportation: Subject to mandatory deportation upon eligibility for release.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements are in effect for life.
- Convictions: Found guilty of two counts of rape, sexual assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH), robbery, and possession of a bladed article.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Yang is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Lancashire Constabulary and the prison estate. Due to the “vile” nature of the armed sexual assault and the “vicious” use of restraints and weapons, his management is under the highest level of scrutiny by the Public Protection Unit.
As a lifetime member of the Sex Offenders Register, Yang must comply with mandatory notification requirements. Authorities state that his “reprehensible” history and the “vicious” terror inflicted on his victim justify his immediate deportation once his custodial term is served. Any attempt to remain in the UK or breach his licence terms prior to deportation will result in his immediate return to Preston Crown Court.
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