Latest news with #SadeqNikzad
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Afghan asylum seeker, 29, who raped 15-year-old schoolgirl in town centre is jailed for nine years
An Afghan asylum seeker who raped a 15-year-old schoolgirl after following her in a town centre has been jailed for nine years. Sadeq Nikzad, 29, targeted the teenager after spotting her walking down a town centre street in Falkirk, Scotland on October 16 2023. He approached her and tried to start up a conversation with her before continually pestering her for her phone number. The 29-year-old then made several sexual comments, and eventually led the girl into a courtyard where he raped her, prosecutors said. After a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Nikzad was convicted on March 5. He was given a 12-year extended sentence involving nine years in custody and three years of supervision upon release. He was also added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and given an indefinite non-harassment order banning contact with her. Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: 'This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business. 'The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm. 'This type of offending will not be tolerated, and I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who commit serious acts of sexual violence against women and children. 'I would urge anyone who has experienced similar crime to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice.' Detective inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley public protection unit, said: 'This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre. 'Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. 'I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident. 'Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. 'I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. We'll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.' Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk, said: 'We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. 'We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.'
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Illegal immigrant caged for raping schoolgirl, 15, he pounced on in brazen street attack in Scots town
Sadeq Nikzad pounced on the 15-year-old and raped her behind a pub VILE SCUM Illegal immigrant caged for raping schoolgirl, 15, he pounced on in brazen street attack in Scots town Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ILLEGAL immigrant has been caged for raping a Scots schoolgirl in a brazen street attack. Sadeq Nikzad, 29, from Afghanistan, swooped on the 15-year-old girl in Falkirk Town Centre on October 16, 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sadeq Nikzad jailed for nine years for raping a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Falkirk 2 Nikzad was found guilty at Edinburgh's High Court, despite claiming his innocence Credit: Alamy The High Court in Edinburgh heard Nikzad had arrived in the UK on a small boat seeking asylum in 2021 - two years before he chased the girl, asking for her phone number and quizzed her about boyfriends. Nikzad then made sexual remarks to the girl before taking her to the back of a pub where he subjected her to a "harrowing" rape. The girl said that she froze and was "quite shocked" during the sexual assault on her. A woman who came across the teenager who was 'in a daze', adding: 'She looked stunned. I knew something had gone wrong. 'She came to me for comfort. She said she kept telling the guy she was only 15." Nikzad's lawyer Janice Green told an earlier hearing that her client had not been educated about the significant cultural differences between the UK and Afghanistan. She said there was a 'cultural barrier' between his home country and Scotland. Ms Green said that child marriage was prevalent in Afghanistan and Nikzad may have "misunderstood" the girl because of language difficulties and she had not said the word "no". She added: 'I'm not suggesting that means that he reasonably believed (the complainer) was consenting, but that there's a reason why he could have misunderstood.' She said Nikzad had lived in various locations in the UK since the age of 25 and had applied for asylum, but his claim had lapsed since his remand in custody. Moment evil soldier who raped woman in town centre is caught cowering in toilet Nikzad maintains his innocence and yelled out 'Liar!' at Judge John Morris KC as he jailed him for nine years for the sickening attack. Judge Morris told him: 'I appreciate that you don't accept that you've done anything wrong, but the fact remains that you've been convicted of an extremely serious sexual offence against a child, and I know your counsel has now explained to you that in those circumstances only a substantial custodial sentence is appropriate." Nikzad screamed abuse and gesticulating wildly in the dock before he was handcuffed by security guards and led to the cells. Nikzad was also give three years on licence at Livingston's High Court and placed on the sex offenders' register. At the end of his sentence, he will be deported. Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre. "Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. "I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident. "Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. We'll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout. Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk police, said: "We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. "We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area."
Sky News
7 hours ago
- Sky News
Sadeq Nikzad: Man jailed for raping 15-year-old after following her in Falkirk town centre
A man who raped a 15-year-old girl after following her in a busy town centre has been jailed for nine years. Sadeq Nikzad, an Afghan asylum seeker, preyed on the teenager after spotting her in Falkirk in October 2023. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said the 29-year-old attempted to speak to the girl, repeatedly asking for her phone number and uttering sexual remarks. He then led her into a courtyard where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault. Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre. "Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. "I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident." Nikzad was in March found guilty of rape following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. At the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday, Judge John Morris KC said: "Mr Nikzad, whilst I appreciate that you do not accept you have done anything wrong, the fact remains that you have been convicted of an extremely serious sexual offence against a child." He added that "only a substantial custodial sentence" would be appropriate. Nikzad was handed a 12-year extended sentence, with nine years in prison and three years on licence once released back into the community. He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and banned from contacting his victim. Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, said: "This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business. "The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm."
The Independent
7 hours ago
- The Independent
Rapist who preyed on girl, 15, after following her in town centre jailed
A rapist who preyed on a 15-year-old girl after following her in a town centre has been jailed for nine years. Sadeq Nikzad, 29, targeted the schoolgirl after spotting her walking down a town centre street in Falkirk on October 16 2023. He attempted to strike up a conversation with the teenager, and repeatedly pestered her for her phone number. Nikzad also made sexual comments, before leading the girl into a courtyard where he raped her, prosecutors said. The predator was convicted on March 5 following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh. Nikzad was given a 12-year extended sentence comprising nine years in custody and three years of supervision upon release when the case called at the High Court in Livingston on Tuesday, the Crown Office said. He was also added to the sex offenders register indefinitely, and given an indefinite non-harassment order banning contact with her. Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for High Court sexual offences, said: 'This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business. 'The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm. 'This type of offending will not be tolerated, and I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who commit serious acts of sexual violence against women and children. 'I would urge anyone who has experienced similar crime to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice.' Detective inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley public protection unit, said: 'This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre. 'Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. 'I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident. ' Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. We'll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.' Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk, said: 'We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. 'We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.'
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Daily Record
Rapist who followed Scots schoolgirl down street before 'opportunistic attack' jailed
Sadeq Nikzad targeted the 15-year-old in broad daylight in Falkirk town centre on October 16, 2023. A man has been jailed for raping a Scottish teenager after following her down the street. Sadeq Nikzad targeted the 15-year-old after trying to strike up a conversation with her. The 29-year-old spotted her walking in Falkirk town centre on October 16, 2023, and started chatting to her, repeatedly asking for her mobile phone number. He then made sexual remarks to the youngster, before leading her to a nearby courtyard, where he raped her in broad daylight. He denied the offence and faced trial. Nikzad was convicted by a jury at the High Court in Edinburgh in March. Sentencing was deferred and he was jailed when he appeared at the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday, June 18. He was given a 12-year extended sentence with nine years in custody and was placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life. A Non-Harassment Order was also imposed. The order - which will also run indefinitely - bans Nikzad from approaching, contacting or attempting to contact the victim. Speaking after sentencing, Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, said: "This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business. "The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm. "This type of offending will not be tolerated, and I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who commit serious acts of sexual violence against women and children. "I would urge anyone who has experienced similar crime to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre. "Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. "I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident. " Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I'd encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. "We'll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout." Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk, added: "We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area."
