ABDUL KAZI FROM ACCRINGTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGE GIRLS ON BUSES

A 66-year-old market trader from Water Street, Accrington, Abdul Kazi, has been found guilty by a jury on all charges related to the sexual assault of three teenage girls over an 18-month period. The incidents took place predominantly on buses, where Kazi would sit behind the victims and engage in inappropriate touching, causing significant distress and trauma.

According to court reports, the first victim recounted that Kazi sat directly behind her during a bus journey, and for approximately 15 minutes, he inappropriately touched her, including stroking her waist. She described feeling overwhelmed by fear and unable to respond during the assault. The following month, Kazi was observed sitting behind her again, repeating similar behavior by touching her and moving his hand up and down her waist. During this incident, the victim managed to take a Snapchat photograph of him touching her hair, which later became crucial evidence.

The second victim experienced two separate incidents involving Kazi. On one occasion, she felt his hand touching her shoulder and stroking her, but initially chose not to report the incident. However, when Kazi touched her again on a subsequent occasion, she challenged his actions and reported the matter to police the very next day. Her account highlighted the ongoing fear and anxiety she felt about using public transportation after the assaults.

All three victims expressed profound feelings of anxiety, fear, and violation, with one describing her experience as deeply disgusting and stating she would never forget the trauma. The court heard that Kazi was identified after police issued a CCTV appeal, which captured footage of his inappropriate actions on the bus. This evidence led to his swift arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Initially, Kazi denied the charges, but after a four-day trial, he was convicted on all counts. His defense team argued that his age, previous good character, and the opportunistic nature of the offenses should be taken into account. Despite these arguments, the court sentenced Kazi to a 12-month prison term, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he received a six-month curfew, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order, and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register.

The court acknowledged the severe impact these incidents had on the victims, emphasizing the lasting trauma and emotional distress caused. While the victims are reportedly beginning to recover and move forward, the court recognized the profound and lasting effects of Kazi’s actions on their lives.