MAZAFER MAROOF FROM SHELTON SENTENCED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

In August 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving Mazafer Maroof, a 31-year-old man from Shelton, who was subsequently convicted and sentenced for heinous crimes committed against a 16-year-old girl. The incident took place during a house party in Stoke-on-Trent, where Maroof, a married father of two, engaged in a series of criminal acts that shocked the local community and drew significant media attention.

According to court proceedings, Maroof had initially been involved in pestering the teenage girl at the gathering. Despite efforts by her friends to discourage his advances, he persisted in his unwanted attention. The situation escalated when Maroof bombarded the girl with dozens of vile and abusive text messages, many of a sexual nature, after the party had ended. His persistent harassment was deemed highly inappropriate and contributed to the tense atmosphere surrounding the case.

On the night of the assault, Maroof convinced the girl and her friend to accompany him to a nearby supermarket to purchase more alcohol. The trio then returned to a residence where they continued drinking into the early hours. During this time, the girl, who was under the influence of alcohol, eventually fell asleep. It was during this vulnerable state that Maroof committed his first assault, which he then recorded using his mobile phone. The footage clearly showed the girl was unconscious at the time, yet Maroof proceeded to carry out a second assault, which he also filmed.

During the trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, the jury was shown the video evidence, which played a crucial role in establishing Maroof’s guilt. The court heard that Maroof, who was 30 at the time and married, had no remorse for his actions and showed a lack of empathy for his victim. Judge David Fletcher, addressing Maroof during sentencing, emphasized the severity of his conduct, stating, “You have no empathy for your victim and you don’t have any remorse.”

Maroof’s defense argued that he was in a dark place, heavily intoxicated, and separated from his family at the time of the offenses. His lawyer highlighted that he had expressed regret and was willing to undertake sex offender treatment programs to prevent future incidents. Despite these pleas, the jury found him guilty of rape and sexual assault, and he was subsequently sentenced to seven years in prison. Additionally, Maroof was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Judge Fletcher’s remarks underscored the gravity of the crimes, noting that the victim was only 16 years old and that Maroof, at 30, was a married man. The judge pointed out that the victim was unable to prevent the assault, and the video evidence demonstrated her lack of response during the attack. The court also acknowledged the context of Maroof’s behavior, including his earlier harassment and the influence of alcohol, which contributed to his actions.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Becky Cawkwell from Staffordshire Police’s Child Exploitation Team expressed her support for the verdict. She emphasized the police’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of the community and highlighted that such crimes, whether recent or historic, are taken very seriously. Inspector Cawkwell reaffirmed the police’s dedication to thorough investigations and working with partners to ensure justice is served for victims of sexual abuse, especially minors and other vulnerable individuals.