ZAKARIYYA AKRAM CAUGHT AT COOPER BRIDGE IN HUDDERSFIELD WITH NAKED TEENAGER IN HIS CAR FOOTWELL
In a disturbing incident that unfolded in the early hours of September 25, police officers in Huddersfield uncovered a deeply troubling scene involving a teenage girl and Zakariyya Akram, a 35-year-old man residing on Thornton Lodge Road in Thornton Lodge.The girl, who was only 17 years old, was found completely unclothed and in a highly vulnerable state inside Akram's Vauxhall Corsa, which was parked near the Yorkshire Water premises off Leeds Road, close to Cooper Bridge.
According to court proceedings, the girl was discovered by police in the footwell of the vehicle, appearing heavily intoxicated, either from alcohol or drugs, and struggling to put her clothes back on.
The police response was prompted by reports that the girl had previously expressed fears that Akram and his friends intended to sexually assault her.
These concerns were serious enough that, on May 4, police issued Akram with a child abduction warning notice, which remains in effect until the girl turns 18.
Authorities had been alerted to the vehicle after it was seen parked on an unmarked track just before 5 am.
When officers approached, they observed the car's windows steamed up, and Akram was seated in the passenger seat, with no clothing on his lower half.
The girl was found in the footwell, in a state of intoxication, making it difficult for her to dress properly.
The court heard that she had previously confided in her care worker about her fears of being raped by Akram and his associates.
Initially, Akram denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the vehicle had broken down because he had used the wrong type of petrol, and that the girl had vomited on him, which supposedly led to both of them removing their clothes.
However, police investigations revealed the true nature of the incident, leading to his arrest.
Following his arrest, Akram was remanded into custody.
His first court appearance took place in September at Huddersfield Magistrates' Court, and he later appeared for sentencing via video link from HMP Leeds.
The magistrates sentenced him to 16 weeks in prison and issued a strict warning that he must not attempt to contact the victim until she reaches the age of 18, as the existing protective order remains in place.
Chairwoman of the bench, Anthea Ainley, emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, "You ignored a child abduction warning and the child is alleged to have told her care worker that she feared rape by yourself and friends.
She was found intoxicated and naked in your car in the early hours of the morning, and we consider this so serious that only a custodial sentence can be imposed." Upon his release from prison, Akram will also be required to pay a victim surcharge of £115, underscoring the serious nature of this criminal conduct and the ongoing concern for the safety and well-being of vulnerable young individuals in the Huddersfield area.
