KEIGHLEY MAN KHALID MAHMOOD SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS FOR PARK RAPE AND CHILD ABDUCTION ATTEMPT

In a case that has shocked the community of Keighley, Khalid Mahmood has been sentenced to a total of eight years in prison following his conviction on serious criminal charges involving both sexual assault and attempted child abduction. The incidents, which took place in Cliffe Castle Park and nearby streets, have left residents deeply disturbed and have prompted a renewed call for vigilance and community safety measures.

Judge David Hatton QC delivered the sentence after Mahmood, 31, was found guilty by a jury at Bradford Crown Court of multiple offenses, including the rape of a woman and the attempted abduction of a ten-year-old girl. The court heard that the rape occurred in March 2011, in the quiet surroundings of Cliffe Castle Park, where Mahmood took advantage of a vulnerable woman. The victim, whose identity remains protected, had been trying to arrange a crisis loan after losing her purse when she encountered Mahmood. The defendant, who had met her in a state of distress, shared alcohol with her in a secluded part of the park. As she became increasingly intoxicated, Mahmood proceeded to assault her sexually, raping her on the ground. After the assault, Mahmood called an ambulance for her, demonstrating a degree of concern, but the damage had already been done.

Adding to the gravity of his crimes, Mahmood was also convicted of attempting to abduct a young girl in July 2012. The incident occurred when the girl was playing on her scooter near her home in Keighley. According to the testimony presented in court, Mahmood approached her and made efforts to grab her. Although initially annoyed, the girl later admitted to feeling frightened by his actions. Prosecutor Oliver Thorne explained that Mahmood had temporarily left the scene, claiming he would not attempt to snatch the girl while her father was present. However, he returned shortly afterward, placing his foot on her scooter and grabbing her by both arms. The girl struggled fiercely, but Mahmood held her for approximately two minutes before the arrival of her mother forced him to retreat.

During the sentencing hearing, defense attorney Kate Batty sought to mitigate the severity of Mahmood’s actions, emphasizing that there was no direct evidence to suggest his intentions were sexual in nature during the attempted abduction. She described Mahmood’s family as a “decent, hard-working, well-educated family who are highly regarded in the local community,” expressing shame and regret on their behalf. She also highlighted Mahmood’s prior criminal record, which includes four convictions for indecent assault as a juvenile, as well as charges of dishonesty, harassment, and persistent solicitation of women. Batty acknowledged that Mahmood was beginning to understand the seriousness of his behavior and recognized that he had not responded well to previous sentences, suggesting he was now more aware of the consequences.

Judge Hatton, in his sentencing remarks, emphasized the seriousness of Mahmood’s offenses. He stated, “You were convicted by a jury of attempting child abduction, repeatedly trying to stop a ten-year-old girl from going on her scooter. It was only the intervention of her mother that caused you to leave the scene.” Regarding the rape, the judge added, “You took advantage, there is no doubt, of a vulnerable woman. You saw her as an opportunity because she was down on her luck, and you exploited that situation by plied her with alcohol until she was largely, if not completely, unconscious.”

Mahmood, who resides on Gordon Street in Keighley, was sentenced to six and a half years for the rape, with an additional 18 months for the attempted child abduction, to be served consecutively. The court also noted that the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act would be applicable in his case, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the potential for further legal consequences. The judge’s decision underscores the community’s concern over public safety and the importance of holding offenders accountable for such heinous acts, especially in a town like Keighley where residents are now more vigilant than ever.