YAZEID AQQAD FROM RADFORD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON BOYS IN NOTTINGHAM

In March 2012, a disturbing case unfolded in Nottingham involving Yazeid Aqqad, a 24-year-old man residing on Alfreton Road in the Radford area. Aqqad was convicted of sexually assaulting two young boys, actions that have shocked the local community and prompted widespread condemnation.

According to court records, Aqqad engaged in inappropriate conduct with one of the boys on two separate occasions by sitting on his lap. In a separate incident, he invited another young boy to sit on his lap, which was deemed an act of sexual abuse. These acts were brought to light after the mother of the two boys reported the assaults to authorities. Her decision to come forward was met with hostility from parts of the Muslim community, which led to her being vilified and subjected to various unpleasant incidents, including an episode at her home and damage to her vehicle, as detailed by prosecutor Sarah Knight.

The mother expressed her distress in court, stating that she believed her actions to report the abuse were met with community pressure aimed at discouraging her from pursuing justice. She felt that her decision was viewed as a sin within her community, which added emotional strain to an already difficult situation.

Yazeid Aqqad denied the allegations during his trial, but the court found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of three counts of sexual assault on a male child under the age of 13. The verdict was unanimous, reflecting the strength of the evidence against him.

Judge Andrew Hamilton sentenced Aqqad to three years in prison. Additionally, he disqualified Aqqad from working with children and mandated that he register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life, emphasizing the severity of his crimes and the importance of public safety.

Following the conviction, prominent Muslim leaders in Nottingham publicly condemned Aqqad’s actions. They expressed support for the mother’s decision to report the abuse, affirming that her actions were justified and that such behavior is unacceptable within the community. Councillor Mohammed Ibrahim, representing Berridge ward on Nottingham City Council, stated, “There are people in every community who break laws and if someone is found to have broken the law, they should be punished.” The case has sparked discussions about safeguarding and community responsibility in Nottingham, highlighting the need for vigilance and support for victims of abuse.