NASSAR IQBAL FROM BURNLEY ADMITS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ROBBERY OUTSIDE CHARTER WALK
In a case that has drawn significant attention, Nassar Iqbal, a 31-year-old man from Burnley, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a sexual assault and robbery that took place on New Year’s Day outside the Charter Walk shopping centre in Burnley.The incident involved a 15-year-old girl, who, for legal reasons, cannot be identified publicly.
The court proceedings took place at Preston Crown Court, where Judge Graham Knowles QC presided over the case.
During the hearing, Iqbal admitted to sexually assaulting the teenage victim and stealing her iPhone 7 Plus.
The assault occurred near the car park area of the shopping centre, an incident that shocked the local community and prompted a police investigation.
The court was informed that the victim was subjected to unwanted sexual contact, including acts such as licking her ear, kissing her cheek, and feeling her chest, as described by the prosecuting attorney, Andrew Ford.
Initially, the police launched an appeal for information, releasing a CCTV image of a man dressed in a green jacket and jeans, described as ‘tanned,’ in connection with the investigation.
This description, however, drew criticism from controversial former newspaper columnist Katie Hopkins, who questioned the description’s appropriateness.
The police also sought to identify a man matching this description, which ultimately led to the arrest of Nassar Iqbal.
Iqbal was detained and charged with multiple offences.
He consistently denied the allegations, and initially, he faced a charge of rape.
However, prosecutors decided not to pursue the rape charge, opting instead to proceed with a lesser charge of engaging in sexual activity with a child.
Iqbal, who was represented with the assistance of a Punjabi interpreter, confirmed his identity and entered guilty pleas to the charges.
At the hearing, the court was told that Iqbal’s actions included inappropriate physical contact with the teenage girl.
The case was adjourned for sentencing at Burnley Crown Court on July 18, where the probation service will assess the level of danger Iqbal poses to women and girls.
Prosecutor Andrew Ford indicated that a sexual harm prevention order would be considered as part of the sentencing process.
Judge Graham Knowles ordered that Iqbal be remanded into custody and brought back to Burnley Crown Court for sentencing.
The judge also requested a report from the probation service to evaluate Iqbal’s risk to the public, his attitude towards his offending, and other relevant factors.
The judge acknowledged Iqbal’s guilty plea, which was entered late in the proceedings, and stated that he would receive a reduction in his sentence accordingly.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual offences and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.
