Iranian asylum seeker jailed for predatory sexual assault

An Iranian asylum seeker who entered the United Kingdom illegally has been sentenced to seven and a half years of extended imprisonment for the predatory sexual assault of a teenage girl.

Ahmadreza Khalafi, 29, appeared at St Albans Crown Court for sentencing after previously entering guilty pleas to four counts of sexual assault by touching.

The court heard that Khalafi, who was granted refugee status in the summer of 2024 following a claim of religious persecution, targeted his 19-year-old victim in Bishop’s Stortford in May of last year.

Legal proceedings established that Khalafi had secured his right to remain in the UK by claiming he would face persecution in Iran after converting to Christianity.

Abbie Johnson, who waived her legal right to anonymity, was attacked while playing a game of hide and seek with friends after a night out.

Read more: Nursery worker jailed for 18 years over decade-long campaign of abuse

Prosecution evidence detailed how the defendant discovered the victim hiding in a bush before launching a forceful and aggressive assault that lasted between ten and twelve minutes.

CCTV footage of the incident was played in open court, documenting the duration and nature of the physical contact initiated by the defendant.

Sentencing the defendant, His Honour Judge Mann stated:

The judge further noted:

Read more: Darlington Pub Predator Jailed for Nearly Six Years

The custodial element of the sentence was fixed at four and a half years, with a further three years to be served on licence upon his eventual release.