NAVEED HANIF FROM HALIFAX SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL IN HOTEL
In December 2014, a serious criminal case unfolded involving Naveed Hanif, a man from Halifax, who was convicted of engaging in sexual activities with a 15-year-old girl.The incident, which took place over two years prior to his sentencing, only came to light during a broader police investigation into related matters.
Hanif, a married man and father of one, was found guilty of taking the underage girl to a hotel where he committed sexual acts with her.
During the court proceedings, Hanif’s legal representative, Rachim Singh, argued that his client’s actions were isolated and disputed any allegations of grooming.
Singh emphasized that the acts involved were consensual, asserting, “The offences involved ‘consensual acts’, but he added: ‘The defendant was older… he should have known better and stopped.
When she asked him to stop he did do so.’” The case was heard at Bradford Crown Court, where it was revealed that the teenage girl had a troubled background.
She was described as someone who frequently consumed alcohol, used drugs, and associated with older males, which contributed to her vulnerability.
Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC remarked that the girl’s lifestyle and personal history made her susceptible, noting, “It is apparent that she falls into the category of a vulnerable young girl who, without much thought for her own safety, was leading a life which was causing her considerable unhappiness.” The judge further clarified that any grooming had likely occurred prior to the incident involving Hanif.
Prosecutor Caroline Wigin detailed that on the night of the offence, the girl was picked up by Hanif in his vehicle and taken to a hotel.
There, Hanif engaged in sexual touching, and the girl performed oral sex on him.
It was also disclosed that Hanif, who resides on Hopwood Lane in Halifax, falsely claimed to be only 22 years old, when in reality he was over 30.
The now 34-year-old, who has a history of serving lengthy prison sentences for drug-related crimes, admitted to the sexual activity with a minor during a previous hearing before Judge Durham Hall.
Hanif’s defense lawyer, Singh, requested that the court consider a suspended sentence combined with conditions such as participation in a sex offender treatment program.
However, Judge Durham Hall firmly rejected this proposal, stating that suspending the prison term would be entirely inappropriate given the circumstances.
The judge acknowledged that he believed the girl’s account of sharing cocaine with Hanif in the hotel room but maintained that the evening’s events were consensual.
As part of his sentence, Hanif will be subject to a sexual offences prevention order for five years, which prohibits him from contacting the victim.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender with the police.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Craig Lord of the Calderdale Safeguarding Unit expressed the importance of the case, stating, “Today’s result shows how seriously we take such allegations and follows a long and detailed investigation by the Calderdale Safeguarding Unit.
The judge recognised this work by commending the work of officers.” Inspector Lord also praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward, emphasizing that victims of sexual offences should feel confident to report such crimes.
He reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are committed to taking decisive action against offenders, and highlighted that the conviction of Hanif demonstrates their dedication to justice.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable young people and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions in Halifax and beyond.
