PHONE SHOP EMPLOYEE HAS SENTENCE INCREASED FOR ATTEMPTED RAPE
Javed Zaheer faces an extended prison term after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred his initial sentence for being insufficient.Zaheer, aged 23, was convicted of attempted rape after luring his 16-year-old victim back to the phone shop where he worked, claiming she needed to pick up her repaired phone.
During the encounter, they talked briefly before Zaheer seized her, kissed her, and tried to remove her clothing.
He also made an attempt to rape her, but she fought free.
Following the incident, Zaheer reacted with anger but ultimately allowed the victim to leave.
She then reported him to the police.
In April, Zaheer was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court to 3 years and 9 months in prison.
However, after the Solicitor General’s intervention, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to 5 years and 6 months.
Commenting on the matter, the Solicitor General stated that Zaheer’s actions have caused lasting emotional harm to the young girl, and it was only her resilience that prevented him from causing further harm.
He expressed satisfaction that the Court of Appeal supported his referral, hoping the longer sentence offers some reassurance to the victim.