FEROUSH HASAN FROM SOUTH SHIELDS CONVICTED OF RAPE OF 14-YEAR-OLD SCHOOLGIRL

In a disturbing case that unfolded in South Shields, a young Bangladeshi man named Ferdoush Hasan has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred shortly after Hasan's arrival in the United Kingdom, highlighting a troubling breach of trust and safety within the community.

Ferdoush Hasan, aged 22, committed the assault at his residence in South Shields, where he was living with 13 other Bangladeshi students. The victim, a schoolgirl, had consumed approximately half a litre of vodka before the assault, which took place in a separate room within the house away from her friends. According to court reports, Hasan forcibly engaged in sexual activity with her, resulting in a rape that shocked the local community and drew significant media attention.

Following the jury's deliberation, which lasted just over three hours, a unanimous verdict was reached declaring Hasan guilty of the charges. The courtroom was tense as Hasan, visibly distressed, was seen sobbing with his head in his hands after the verdict was announced. He was subsequently taken into custody to await sentencing.

During the proceedings, Hasan’s defense attorney, Tom Moran, requested that his client be sentenced immediately, citing that Hasan had no prior criminal record. However, Judge Simon Hickey decided that a probation report needed to be prepared before sentencing could take place, indicating the seriousness with which the court viewed the case.

It was revealed during the trial that Hasan had come to the UK to pursue an HND in nautical science at South Tyneside College. Despite his claims of innocence, Hasan initially denied having any sexual contact with the girl during police interviews. Later, during the trial, he claimed that the sex was consensual but insisted he believed the girl was 17 years old at the time. He admitted to lying to police out of fear and because he felt unsupported.

The five-day trial at Newcastle Crown Court also heard from the victim, who expressed her fears that she might be pregnant with Hasan’s child. Her mother described how her daughter’s mental health deteriorated after the assault, noting that she began self-harming and even talked about taking her grandfather’s medication. These revelations underscored the profound impact of the crime on the young girl and her family.

Ferdoush Hasan, whose address is listed as Ocean Road, South Shields, is scheduled for sentencing at a later date. The case has sparked concern within the local community about safety and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from predatory behavior.