ARSHAD MAHMOOD FROM GREAT HORTON BRADFORD JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOY

In July 2013, a disturbing case unfolded in Bradford involving a local barber from Great Horton, Arshad Mahmood, who was sentenced to eight years in prison after attempting to sexually assault a 14-year-old boy. The incident took place at a barber’s shop where Mahmood was employed, and it shocked the community due to the breach of trust involved.

According to court proceedings, the teenage victim, who was visiting the shop for a routine haircut, was lured into a cellar beneath the premises by Mahmood. The court heard that Mahmood, aged 33 and residing on Arncliffe Terrace in Great Horton, had noticed the boy outside the shop and was sexually attracted to him. The teenager, described as white and visibly shocked, returned home after the attack, visibly distressed by the ordeal.

Judge Peter Benson addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the breach of trust involved in the case. He stated, “Parents are entitled to expect that when they send their children to have their hair cut, they are not subjected to sexual abuse. You were determined to have your way with this young man.”

Mahmood was convicted by a jury after a three-day trial on multiple charges. The court found him guilty of two counts of sexually assaulting the boy and two counts of attempted rape. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in front of a child. The court was told that Mahmood had attempted to groom the teenager by offering him money and then asked him to fetch towels from the cellar, which was used as a trap to facilitate the assault.

Judge Benson explained that Mahmood admitted to using the request to fetch towels as a device to lure the boy into a private area where the assault occurred. The judge stated, “You admitted that was a device to get him in an area where you could have sexual contact with him.” He further added, “You intended to engage in sexual activity with him, at the very least regardless as to whether he consented or not.”

During the assault in the cellar, Mahmood kissed the victim and pulled down his clothing. The boy attempted to escape but was pulled back by Mahmood. The judge acknowledged that no physical violence or intimidation was used during the incident but emphasized the seriousness of the offences due to their number, the persistence of Mahmood’s actions, and the betrayal of trust involved.

As part of his sentence, Mahmood was ordered to be subject to an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having contact with individuals under the age of 16. He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life. His legal representative, Abdul Iqbal, indicated that Mahmood would likely face deportation after completing his sentence.

Following the sentencing, Acting Detective Sergeant Richard Dove of Bradford District Safeguarding expressed his views, stating, “The victim in this case suffered a particularly distressing and traumatic ordeal and we welcome the strong sentence given to Mahmood.”