DANIYAL HUSSAIN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ABUSING YOUNG BOY IN MIDDLESBROUGH
A young man with a background in medical science, Daniyal Hussain, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being found guilty of heinous sexual offenses involving a very young boy in Middlesbrough.Hussain, now aged 22, had previously denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated; however, the verdict delivered by a jury at Teesside Crown Court was unanimous in confirming his guilt.
The court proceedings took place in November of the previous year, and on Thursday, Hussain appeared once more in court for sentencing, during which he was also ordered to be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for the rest of his life.
The court heard disturbing details of the abuse, including how Hussain manipulated his young victim.
It was revealed that Hussain provided the boy with an iPad, possibly in an attempt to distract or comfort him, while simultaneously carrying out the assault.
Additionally, he promised the boy a mobile phone and told him that their secret would protect him from danger.
The victim was subjected to physical violence as well, with Hussain slapping him multiple times during the ordeal.
Prosecutor Aisha Wadoodi presented evidence during the trial that included mobile phone notes written by Hussain, which purportedly acknowledged his guilt.
These notes included texts sent to his mother, in which he expressed his struggles and feelings of failure.
One message read, “I'm so sorry.
I've failed everyone,” and another stated, “There is nothing that I can say ever that will make everything better.
Not in a million years.
I have failed my family.” Such messages starkly contrasted Hussain’s earlier denials and highlighted his internal turmoil.
The sentencing hearing also highlighted Hussain’s background, noting that he had recently completed a degree in medical science.
Despite his educational achievements and the support of a presumably respectable family, the impact on his young victim has been profound.
A victim impact statement read aloud in the court conveyed the severe emotional and psychological damage inflicted.
The boy’s mother described her son’s suffering, emphasizing that her relationship with her child has been irreparably affected.
She stated, “My son has suffered a horrible and devastating ordeal.
I feel that the bond between us has been damaged.
My son does not like to be touched and I cannot kiss him on the cheek.
He frequently breaks down in tears.
My family has been ruined.
My son's childhood has been stolen.” She also mentioned that her son has particular triggers, such as certain smells, which remind him of the abuse.
Hussain’s defense attorney, Timothy Jacobs, attempted to portray his client as a complex individual who exhibits both naivety and signs of maturity.
He acknowledged that Hussain still has some growing up to do yet highlighted that he managed to graduate from college during the investigation and court proceedings.
Jacobs pointed out that Hussain had previously served as an interpreter for his grandfather at hospital appointments and suggested that his family situation is also complicated, given the ill health of his grandfather.
When given the opportunity to address his sentence, Hussain turned away from the courtroom gallery, with Judge Anthony Hawks delivering a stern and somber judgment.
The judge emphasized Hussain’s intelligence and decent family background but condemned the severity of his crimes, which involved violence, threats, grooming, and manipulation.
The judge noted Hussain’s initial admission of guilt when confronted and contrasted this with his earlier denials during the trial, describing the proceedings as undoubtedly distressing for the victim and his family.
The judge described the long-term effects of Hussain’s actions, noting that the boy now recoils from physical contact and shows emotional detachment from his mother.
The court learned that the victim also exhibits mental health issues, including episodes of anger.
Regarding Hussain’s sentence, the judge ordered a term of 12 years in jail, with an actual incarceration period of 11 years, followed by a year on licence while living in the community.
Hussain will be eligible for parole after serving at least eight years.
An indefinite restraining order has been put in place, forbidding him from any contact with his victim or the victim’s family.
Following the sentencing, Cleveland Police reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the victims of such crimes.
Detective Constable Rebecca Lisle, from the Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adult Unit (CAVA), expressed her condolences, saying, “This was a very distressing case with a child victim and their family who, in giving their evidence, had to relive the trauma they had already endured.
I hope this result will go some way to help them as they try to come to terms with what they have gone through.” Chief Inspector Deb Fenny added her remarks, condemning Hussain’s behavior and the falsehoods he told during the investigation.
She emphasized the importance of community awareness and encouraged anyone who has experienced similar abuse—or who wishes to report on someone else’s behalf—to contact Cleveland Police.
She reassured the public that the force is committed to listening, believing, and supporting victims while working alongside partner agencies to bring perpetrators to justice.
