HANVEER SUNNER SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WEST BROMWICH AND BIRMINGHAM

A 22-year-old man from West Bromwich has been handed a seven-year prison term after being convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl. Hanveer Sunner, whose address is listed as Springfield Crescent, was brought before Birmingham Crown Court where his sentencing took place on Tuesday, 23 August. In addition to his prison sentence, Sunner will be subject to life-long inclusion on the sex offenders' register, in accordance with his conviction.

The incident dates back to 2020, when Sunner initiated contact with the teenage girl via Snapchat, a popular social media platform. According to court records, on 9 June of that year, Sunner arranged to supply her with a lift to Birmingham City Centre. He also coordinated with her to meet in Telford, ostensibly for a casual encounter. However, instead of following through with the initial plan, Sunner diverted her to a flat in Handsworth, Birmingham, where he was now known to have taken her.

Once at the flat, Sunner proceeded to give the young girl bottles of alcohol and balloon-gas canisters, which she consumed, leading her to become heavily intoxicated. The court heard that during this state of extreme intoxication, Sunner committed a sexual assault against her. The girl was reported missing, prompting concern from her family and local authorities. The police, working alongside her family, launched a search to locate her.

Eventually, the authorities found her confined in a bathroom of the flat in Handsworth, Birmingham. Sunner was arrested at the scene following her recovery. He was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including assaulting a female over the age of 13 by engaging in digital penetration. Sunner contested the charges, denying any wrongdoing.

Despite his denial, the jury at Birmingham Crown Court returned a unanimous verdict of guilty on Tuesday, 12 July. The judgment was described by detectives as a significant victory for victim protection and justice.

Detective Constable Ben Hocking commented on the case, emphasizing the emotional toll on the young girl and praising her bravery. He stated, “This was a very distressing incident for the victim that has understandably had a huge impact on her and we commend her bravery and perseverance.”

Furthermore, Constable Hocking encouraged victims of sexual crimes to come forward, whether the incidents occurred recently or in the past, assuring the public that support from law enforcement is always available. This case underscores the importance of intervention and the ongoing efforts to combat sexual offences within communities such as West Bromwich and Birmingham.