NAJAF KHAN JAILLED FOR TERRIFYING HOME INTRUSION IN BRIERFIELD, LANCASHIRE
A man named Najaf Khan has been sentenced to prison after subjecting a woman in her own home in Brierfield, Lancashire, to a harrowing and frightening ordeal that left her fearing for her safety and her life.The incident began earlier when Khan, 32 years old and residing on Stanley Street in Brierfield, engaged in a casual conversation with the woman on the street.
Following this initial encounter, he managed to persuade her to walk with him, but she declined any further involvement.
Despite her refusal, Khan persisted in following her as she approached her residence.
At some point, he managed to gain entry into her home without her consent.
Once inside, he sat down in her living room and insisted on kissing her.
When she refused and attempted to prevent him, he tried to kiss her a second time but was unsuccessful.
The woman described her experience as extremely distressing, stating that her fear was compounded by the possibility of being raped or murdered.
She recounted that Khan's behavior caused her immense anxiety, and she was overwhelmed by thoughts of violence and harm.
Khan's actions did not end there.
Following his arrest, he was taken to Burnley police station, where he further exhibited inappropriate behavior by exposing himself to officers.
This conduct was part of the evidence presented during his trial at Preston Crown Court.
Prior to this incident, Khan had a criminal record.
He was convicted after a trial of multiple offenses, including trespassing with the intent to commit a sexual offense, sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and four counts of exposure.
Additionally, he faced charges related to shoplifting on two occasions.
His criminal activities resulted in a sentence of 26 months in prison.
The court heard that in November of the previous year, Khan had approached the young woman in the street and engaged her in conversation.
He invited her to walk with him, but she declined.
Despite her refusal, Khan remained close as she went to open her front door.
He then entered her home without permission and sat in her living room, causing her significant distress.
In her statement, she expressed her fear, emphasizing that her sense of safety had been severely compromised.
She explained that her mind was filled with frightening thoughts of potential rape and murder, and she felt trapped by his insistence on kissing her against her will.
Khan, in his defense, claimed that he had not entered the woman's home and insisted that he was in Burnley at the time of the incident.
His lawyer, Philip Holden, argued that Khan was unwell at the time and had no prior history of such offending behavior.
Holden also highlighted that Khan had spent nine months in custody, which he equated to nearly an 18-month sentence, and expressed concern for his client’s family.
Judge Christopher Cornwall addressed the court, acknowledging that although the woman had not sustained physical injuries, the emotional and psychological impact of Khan’s actions was profound.
Her sense of security had been shattered, leading her to increase security measures at her home.
As a result of his conviction, Khan was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.
Furthermore, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting him from contacting, attempting to contact, or entering the woman's street until further notice, in an effort to protect her from any future harm.
