MUZAMI RAFIQUE FROM BRIGHTON SENTENCED FOR SEX ATTACK IN PRESTON PARK

In July 2011, a disturbing incident unfolded in Brighton involving a local pizza delivery driver named Muzami Rafique, who was ultimately convicted of a serious sexual assault. The incident took place on Albion Hill, where Rafique, aged 24 and residing in Mulberry Close, Brighton, pulled over in his van with the intent to offer a young boy a ride.

According to reports, Rafique approached a 13-year-old boy and offered him a lift to Preston Park. The boy, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, accepted the offer, trusting the driver. However, instead of taking him directly to his intended destination, Rafique diverted from the agreed route. He drove the vehicle to a secluded area within Preston Park, a well-known public space in Brighton, where he then climbed into the back seat of his van.

What followed was a distressing and criminal act. Rafique sexually assaulted the young boy in the back of his vehicle. The assault was severe enough to cause significant emotional trauma, although the victim did not sustain any physical injuries. The boy managed to escape the situation by running away as Rafique returned to the front seat of the van, fleeing the scene in a state of shock and distress.

Legal proceedings culminated in a trial at Lewes Crown Court, where a jury found Rafique guilty of sexually assaulting a minor and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a young person. The verdict was delivered after careful consideration of the evidence presented during the trial. The victim, who was unable to be named publicly, was described as being profoundly affected by the incident, suffering from trauma but not physical harm.

Following the conviction, Muzami Rafique was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years, starting from the date of his release. The case was actively investigated by Sussex Police, with Detective Constable Karen Woodhams leading the efforts. She stated, “This was a very nasty attack which left the teenager very traumatised. It was reported to us the following day and we were able to trace and arrest Rafique within hours as a result of our enquiries. We are very glad to have been able, with the co-operation of the victim, to bring this vicious man to justice.”

Authorities emphasized the importance of swift police action in cases of sexual assault, and the community was reassured that justice had been served in this troubling incident in Brighton.