Ex-Maidstone resident jailed for non-recent child abuse

A sex offender who indecently assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for three years.

Mohammad Afzal was in his 30s when he attempted to befriend his victim, whom he committed the offence against in the Maidstone area in October 1993.

The victim came forward to report what had happened to her in April 2019 and an investigation was carried out by Kent Police detectives.

Afzal, of Church Road in Sheldon, Birmingham, was arrested later that year and subsequently charged with indecent assault.

He denied the offence but was found guilty following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on Friday 6 May 2022.

Courage

Investigating officer Detective Constable Dan Williams said:

‘Kent Police takes all reports of sexual offences very seriously, no matter how much time has passed since the incident took place. Such offences are never forgotten by the victims, who always display tremendous courage in speaking up to ensure their attackers can be brought to justice.

‘The crime committed by Mohammad Afzal was dreadful and I hope his imprisonment sends a clear message to other victims that you can speak to us, we will believe you and we will carry out a full and thorough investigation to bring those responsible before the courts.’

Click here for further information and advice regarding Kent Police’s approach to tackling violence against women and girls.