JIBRHAN KHAN FROM BRADFORD SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AFTER FLEEING COUNTRY

Jibrhan Khan, a man with a disturbing history of child abuse, has recently begun serving a prison sentence after fleeing the United Kingdom during his trial. The case, which involved four young victims, was notably disrupted when Khan absconded from justice in February 2023, just as his trial was underway at Bradford Crown Court.

Details emerged that Khan, 41 years old and previously residing on Mannville Terrace in Great Horton, Bradford, was living in shared accommodation at the time. His barrister, Jeremy Hill-Baker, explained to the court on Thursday that Khan had been subjected to an attack by other residents after they learned of his alleged criminal conduct. According to Mr. Hill-Baker, Khan had been in a dire state, battling significant drug addiction involving heroin and crack cocaine, which contributed to his decision to flee the country.

He further stated that Khan managed to secure a flight to Pakistan after being lent money by someone close to him. During his time abroad, Khan spent approximately five months hospitalized, receiving psychiatric treatment aimed at addressing his substance abuse issues. The barrister noted that during this period, Khan began to reflect on his past actions and reportedly started to pray earnestly. He made a conscious decision to return to the UK, face the consequences of his actions, and seek some form of redemption.

In September of the previous year, Khan returned to Britain and was promptly arrested under a bench warrant. He was brought before the court and faced charges related to his previous convictions. Although he had been convicted in his absence by a jury of one sexual offence, Khan later pleaded guilty in January to seven additional allegations of similar nature. The abuse, which involved four young girls, occurred over a period ending in 2014 and included offences such as indecent assault, sexual assault, and sexual assault of a girl under the age of 13.

One of the victims provided a statement describing the profound impact of the abuse. She revealed that the experience left her with ongoing feelings of anxiety and self-loathing, and she expressed guilt for not disclosing the abuse sooner. Her testimony underscored the lasting trauma inflicted by Khan’s actions.

During the hearing, Mr. Hill-Baker emphasized that Khan was motivated by a desire to seek justice for his victims, acknowledging that they felt frustrated and betrayed when he fled his trial. The barrister clarified that Khan did not seek to excuse his behaviour but appeared genuinely remorseful. He expressed a hope that Khan’s remorse would lead to acceptance of his punishment and help his victims find closure.

In sentencing, Deputy Circuit Judge Timothy Clayson described Khan’s offending as extensive and serious. He sentenced Khan to 12 and a half years in prison, with an extended period of three years on licence, classifying him as a