SHAKEEL RAZAQ FROM MIDDLESBROUGH ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SCHOOLGIRL
In a disturbing incident that took place in Middlesbrough, a 15-year-old schoolgirl was subjected to a distressing sexual assault by Shakeel Razaq, a man who followed her after she disembarked from a bus and then indecently assaulted her in broad daylight.The incident, which occurred on May 15, 2014, has left the young victim deeply traumatized, and the case has sparked concern over the adequacy of the justice system in handling such offenses.
According to court reports, the girl had been sitting on a bus after school when she noticed Razaq, aged 22, repeatedly staring at her.
Feeling uncomfortable, she attempted to ignore his presence.
Razaq, who was carrying a bag containing a chef’s uniform from an Indian restaurant, disembarked at the same Middlesbrough stop as the girl and her older sister.
Prosecutor Harry Hadfield explained that Razaq deliberately kept pace with them, even slowing down to see if he would pass by without incident.
As the girl and her sister continued walking, Razaq suddenly put his hand up her skirt and grabbed her bottom with enough force to cause pain.
The girl froze in shock and immediately screamed for help.
Razaq then ran away from the scene, but was quickly pursued by the girl’s sister, who called the police and managed to detain him until officers arrived.
The young victim was left visibly shaken, crying, and overwhelmed by the assault.
She ran into her home, locked the door, and was later found to be crying and trembling when police arrived to speak with her.
In her statement, the girl expressed her feelings of dirtiness and disbelief that such an incident could happen in a busy street during the daytime.
Her ordeal has had a lasting impact on her mental well-being, and she continues to suffer from the trauma caused by the attack.
Shakeel Razaq, of Acklam Road in Middlesbrough, admitted to the charge of sexual assault, which was his first offense.
Initially denying the allegations, he later pleaded guilty, expressing shame and remorse for his actions.
His defense lawyer, Andrew White, argued that Razaq was unable to explain why he committed the assault, describing it as a moment of madness.
White emphasized that Razaq showed genuine remorse, deeply regretted his behavior, and was determined to prevent any recurrence.
He also highlighted that Razaq had no prior convictions, had lost his job due to this incident, and was supported by his family.
White contended that an immediate custodial sentence would be counterproductive, as it would place Razaq in an environment with negative influences rather than providing him with constructive support through probation services.
A probation report described Razaq as a “predatory young man” who posed a continued risk to the community.
The report recommended a community order rather than imprisonment.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, addressed Razaq directly, stating that his actions were deliberate and caused significant fear and distress to the victim.
The judge described the attack as “determined and deliberate,” emphasizing its impact on the girl’s mental health.
Ultimately, Razaq was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, with conditions including supervision and participation in a rehabilitation program.
The judge explained that serving the full sentence without supervision would not serve justice or aid in his rehabilitation.
Additionally, Razaq was issued a five-year sexual offences prevention order, restricting him from having unsupervised contact with girls under 16 unless specific conditions are met.
