SHAHID MEHMOOD SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN BRADFORD FOR HORRIFIC SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A CHILD
A judge at Bradford Crown Court has publicly acknowledged the extraordinary bravery of a survivor of sexual abuse who endured a harrowing legal process before justice was ultimately served.The woman, whose identity has been protected for legal reasons, courageously read a detailed victim personal statement during the sentencing hearing held on Wednesday.
In her statement, she conveyed the ongoing emotional and psychological scars inflicted by the crimes committed against her by the defendant, Shahid Mehmood.
Shahid Mehmood, a resident of Addison Avenue in Bradford, was convicted on the basis of his second trial of serious sexual offenses involving minors.
The court found him guilty of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to participate in sexual activities, as well as of five counts of engaging in sexual acts with a child.
Despite this, he was acquitted of one additional charge of sexual assault.
The verdict followed an extensive legal battle that spanned over four years, marked by the defendant’s initial denial and persistent refusal to accept responsibility.
During the hearing, the survivor described how Mehmood's actions irrevocably stole her innocence as a child.
She revealed that she continues to suffer from intrusive flashbacks and nightmares related to the abuse even years later.
A key moment in her statement was her assertion that she once believed the abuse was her fault but now understands that this belief was false.
She expressed her pain and the lasting damage caused by Mehmood’s crimes, emphasizing the profound impact on her mental health.
The victim also criticized Mehmood for his unwillingness to admit any wrongdoing.
She explained that he had not shown any remorse and instead had maintained a stance of denial, which had compounded her pain by forcing her to relive the trauma in court.
Her testimony was delivered with dignity and bravery, demonstrating her resilience in the face of profound adversity.
Addressing the court, Recorder Ben Nolan KC noted that despite the serious nature of the crimes and the clear evidence presented, Mehmood, aged 52, still proclaimed his innocence.
The judge highlighted that Mehmood had no previous convictions and had been interviewed by police in January 2019, during which he categorically denied all allegations.
The court observed that Mehmood’s persistent denials had contributed significantly to the delays in delivering justice, with the process being further prolonged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The judge acknowledged the emotional toll that the case had taken on the complainant and praised her for her courage in reading her victim personal statement.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the profound effect that Mehmood’s actions had on her life.
In sentencing, Recorder Nolan imposed a prison term of eight years on Shahid Mehmood.
Additionally, he issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order to protect the public and ensure ongoing monitoring.
The court also ordered that Mehmood would serve at least two-thirds of his prison sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Furthermore, he was required to register as a sex offender with the police for the remainder of his life and must adhere to an indefinite restraining order, which prevents him from approaching or contacting the victim or her family.
The case has highlighted the importance of resilience and justice for victims of sexual abuse, and the court’s verdict serves as a firm reminder of the legal system's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and prosecuting offenders regardless of their denial or attempts to evade responsibility.
