AMJID RAJ SHOCKS KEIGHLEY WITH SEXUAL OFFENCE INVOLVING 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the town of Keighley, a man named Amjid Raj, aged 31, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.The incident, which took place at the girl’s residence, was brought to light after she confided in her friends at school about her interactions with Raj.
Her mother eventually discovered her daughter’s distress and reported the matter to the police, leading to the charges against Raj.
According to court proceedings held at Bradford Crown Court last Thursday, prosecutor Timothy Capstick detailed that the offence occurred at the girl’s home, a private setting where the defendant and the victim had contact.
The girl’s disclosure prompted her mother to investigate further, and within two months, authorities were involved.
In September 2008, Raj was formally charged with rape; however, he ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of sexual activity with a child, which the Crown accepted.
It was revealed during the hearing that Raj had a prior criminal record, having served a five-year sentence in 1999 for supplying Class A drugs.
Despite this, he had no previous convictions related to sexual offences.
His legal representative, Stephen Wood, described the incident as “troubling and serious,” but emphasized that it was a single occurrence.
Wood also stated that Raj believed the girl was consenting to the acts, a point that did not mitigate the seriousness of the offence in the eyes of the court.
Throughout the proceedings, it was noted that Raj’s wife was present and stood by her husband.
The judge, Jonathan Durham Hall QC, acknowledged that Raj did not use intimidation or coercion to manipulate the girl.
Nonetheless, the judge expressed outrage from the girl’s family and described the case as revealing a “troubling, serious and somewhat sinister side” to Raj’s actions.
The judge explicitly stated that Raj had treated the girl “very much as a sex object,” highlighting the gravity of the misconduct.
As part of his sentence, Raj was ordered to register as a sex offender and was issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order that will remain in effect for five years.
Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children, a measure aimed at protecting others from potential harm.
Following the sentencing, the girl’s mother spoke out about the lasting impact of the ordeal.
She described her daughter as being “psychologically damaged” and “in a mess at the moment,” emphasizing the trauma inflicted by Raj’s actions.
The mother, who is legally unable to be named, expressed her disgust and disappointment, condemning Raj’s conduct as “vile” and criticizing the relatively short sentence he received.
The case has left the community of Keighley deeply unsettled, raising questions about safeguarding and the vulnerability of young girls in the area.
