MAJID RAFIZADEH SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR VILE SEXUAL ABUSE IN NEWCASTLE
A man named Majid Rafizadeh has been sentenced to a lengthy imprisonment term of 24 years after committing heinous acts of sexual abuse against a child in Newcastle.The court found that Rafizadeh, aged 46 and residing in Fenham, Newcastle, was responsible for a prolonged campaign of sexual violence that spanned roughly six years.
This period of abuse was characterized by a disturbing pattern of grooming and relentless assault against the young victim.
The criminal acts involved what the judge described as a 'campaign of rapes,' which Rafizadeh carried out over several years, and were described in court as both 'vile and persistent.' During the judicial proceedings, it was revealed that these offenses took place at a time when Rafizadeh was struggling with an addiction to opium, which the court acknowledged as a relevant factor in the case.
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Rafizadeh continued to deny the charges, refusing to admit any wrongdoing.
Rafizadeh's trial took place in May at Newcastle Crown Court, where a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
On Thursday, he appeared in the courtroom via a remote link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for these serious charges.
Throughout the proceedings, Rafizadeh required an interpreter to translate proceedings from Farsi-Persian, highlighting his non-native status and the importance of clear communication.
Judge Tim Gittins delivered the sentence, condemning Rafizadeh for his actions.
He commented that the individual had subjected the young victim to 'vile and persistent sexual abuse' and had also inflicted 'random and repeated violence' upon them.
The judge noted that Rafizadeh had initiated a 'sinister process' of grooming the child, which culminated in what was described as a campaign of rapes.
These acts occurred during a period in which Rafizadeh's personal life was troubled by substance dependency.
The case also shed light on Rafizadeh’s background.
Defence lawyer Susan Hirst outlined that Rafizadeh was born and raised in Iran, where he initially led a productive life running a small business selling car parts.
She explained that he was involved in political demonstrations against the Iranian government, an activity that eventually compelled him to leave his homeland and relocate to the United Kingdom in 2000.
Since arriving in the UK, Rafizadeh has held various jobs, including working on construction sites and training as a gas engineer, and he later operated his own business.
Additionally, Ms.
Hirst highlighted that Rafizadeh had battled depression and was described as 'very vulnerable.' Despite his personal struggles, the court prioritized the severity of his crimes and justified a lengthy prison sentence.
Alongside the prison term, Rafizadeh was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order, mandated to register as a sex offender for life, and subjected to a restraining order intended to protect potential future victims.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Nicola Wade expressed her thoughts publicly, praising the courage of the young victim who had endured and spoken out against Rafizadeh.
She emphasized that the victim’s bravery was instrumental in bringing the case to justice.
Detective Wade also stated, 'This man is a predatory paedophile who has taken advantage of the victim and left them emotionally broken.
They have suffered at the hands of this vile man but have been so brave throughout this investigation.
I hope this sentence can bring some form of closure but also give others the confidence to come forward and report abuse of any form to police.'
