HARTLEPOOL TAKEAWAY OWNER KASHMIR NANAN JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEENAGE GIRL
In a serious case that has shocked the Hartlepool community, Kashmir Nanan, a 52-year-old takeaway owner, has been sentenced to three years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.The incident took place in Hartlepool, where Nanan previously operated a business called Shearers located on Merlin Way.
Following his conviction, Nanan was also handed a lifelong ban from contacting the victim, who remains deeply affected by the traumatic experience.
Despite the court's verdict, Nanan continues to deny the allegations, maintaining his innocence even after the jury's guilty verdict was delivered.
The case drew significant attention, partly because Nanan has a prior criminal history, including a six-year prison sentence handed down in 2001 at Newcastle Crown Court for involvement in illegal immigration activities.
The recent proceedings at Teesside Crown Court were delayed due to Nanan’s health issues while he was in India.
Nevertheless, the court ultimately found him guilty of the sexual assault.
As part of his sentence, Nanan is required to register as a sex offender for life and is subject to a restraining order that prevents him from making any contact with the victim indefinitely.
The incident came to light after a family member, concerned about her whereabouts, found her distressed and crying in the street.
She was persuaded to speak with her mother, who then contacted the police.
During the investigation, the teenage girl provided evidence that Nanan had touched her over her clothing and had engaged her in sexual talk before the assault.
She described the incident in a video interview, stating that Nanan had touched her in a sexual manner.
Nanan, who resides on Seaton Lane in Hartlepool, claimed that the girl had led him on after she arrived with a bottle of vodka.
He also told police that she had stolen his vodka and £20, and accused her of fabricating the entire story.
His defense attorney, Paul Cleasby, argued that the incident was isolated and that there had been no prior or subsequent complaints about Nanan’s conduct.
Judge Stephen Ashurst, speaking through a Bengali interpreter, emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating, “Not only was it an assault on her body, but on her personal dignity.” He further criticized Nanan for continuing to deny the allegations despite the evidence presented.
The judge highlighted that Nanan could have alleviated the girl’s distress by admitting guilt early on but chose to deny the charges throughout the trial.
In addition to the prison sentence, Nanan was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was given an indefinite restraining order to prevent any contact with the victim.
The case underscores the importance of accountability and the ongoing impact of such crimes on victims and their families.
