HASSNAIN SHAHZAD ILFORD POLICE SPECIAL CONSTABLE GROPES TEA AND BISCUIT SHOPPER IN BISHOPSGATE

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about trust and safety, Hassnain Shahzad, a 27-year-old special constable with the Metropolitan Police, was involved in a heinous act of sexual misconduct targeting a young girl in the heart of London. The incident unfolded on the evening of August 25, 2023, at a Tesco store located in Bishopsgate, an area bustling with shoppers and passersby.

According to reports, Shahzad was queuing behind a 14-year-old schoolgirl and her mother when he deliberately touched her bottom without her consent. The girl, who was visibly distressed, initially did not realize the full extent of Shahzad’s actions due to the crowded environment. However, she noted that he was carrying pineapple chunks, which later became a key detail in identifying him.

As the girl and her mother exited the store, Shahzad was caught on CCTV approaching the young girl again on the pavement outside. The footage clearly shows him making a beeline for her and touching her once more, despite the girl’s attempt to avoid him. The police confirmed that Shahzad’s actions were deliberate, and he appeared to target her intentionally.

The girl’s mother recounted the distressing aftermath, describing her daughter as “distraught” and eager to return home rather than stay at the hotel where they were staying. During this tense moment, two women approached the family, offering assistance and urging them to return to Tesco to review the CCTV footage. The mother expressed her gratitude for their kindness and emphasized her appreciation for her daughter’s bravery in reporting the assault.

She praised her daughter for her resilience, noting that she did not withdraw from the legal process despite the trauma. “At no point did she say ‘I don’t want to do this,’ or withdraw from the prosecution,” she said. The mother also highlighted the emotional toll the incident has taken on her daughter, who, despite completing her exams and maintaining her composure, continues to struggle with fear and anxiety. She described her daughter as a “beacon of kindness and understanding,” even as she battles the shadows of trauma that now cloud her innocence.

Reflecting on the impact of the assault, the mother expressed heartbreak over the loss of her daughter’s carefree spirit. She described how her child once radiated happiness and joy, freely enjoying time with family before the incident shattered her sense of safety. The mother admitted that she now finds herself seeking her daughter’s permission for simple gestures of affection, such as hugs, as a painful reminder of the trust that was broken.

Law enforcement quickly identified Shahzad as the suspect through CCTV footage and bank records, which confirmed he had purchased pineapple chunks around the time of the assault. He was subsequently arrested at his home in Ilford, a month later, and police seized various items, including clothing matching what was seen in the CCTV footage. Further investigation uncovered additional disturbing material on his phone, including videos of women on the street filmed without their consent, taken just two days after the assault.

Despite the mounting evidence, Shahzad denied the charges, leading to a trial at Inner London Crown Court. The victim’s mother expressed her frustration and disappointment, criticizing Shahzad’s refusal to accept responsibility. “It was an act of cruelty that despite the clear CCTV footage and bank records confirming Shahzad had bought pineapple chunks he still pleaded not guilty,” she said. She condemned his lack of remorse and moral compass, emphasizing that he was fully aware of the victim’s age and the severity of his actions.

Ultimately, Shahzad was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he will be registered as a sex offender for the next seven years, a measure intended to protect the public and prevent future harm. The case has sparked widespread concern about the conduct of individuals in positions of authority and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable members of society.