RAJA YASIN FLED HALIFAX TO PAKISTAN AND WAS CAUGHT AND JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES
In a case that highlights the serious consequences of fleeing justice, Raja Yasin, a known sex offender from Halifax, was ultimately apprehended and sentenced to over eight years in prison.The events unfolded over a period of several years, beginning with Yasin's decision to evade legal proceedings and ending with his capture and conviction.
Yasin, aged 41, had been living in Calderdale, Halifax, when he chose to abscond from the country rather than face trial.
On November 22, 2016, he left the United Kingdom, purchasing a one-way ticket to Pakistan, where he was residing with a partner and employed at a call centre.
His departure came just before his scheduled week-long trial at Bradford Crown Court in December 2016, where he was accused of multiple sexual offences against a teenage girl under the age of consent.
Despite his absence, the jury convicted Yasin in his absence of six separate sexual offences, including engaging in sexual acts with the underage girl on multiple occasions.
The prosecution, led by Ben Thomas, described the victim as naive and vulnerable, emphasizing the lasting impact of Yasin's actions on her mental health.
During the investigation, Yasin initially denied the allegations, claiming she was lying and expressing disgust at her accusations.
Yasin's failure to appear in court did not go unnoticed.
On March 27, he appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court, where he was remanded into custody.
Subsequently, he pleaded guilty to a Bail Act offence and was sentenced via video link to serve time at HMP Leeds.
The court heard that the girl was still struggling with depression and feelings of worthlessness, which were exacerbated by Yasin's flight from justice.
Today, during the sentencing hearing, Yasin's barrister, Gillian Batts, expressed her client's remorse, stating that he wished to apologise to the victim and fully accepted her account of the events.
However, the judge, Jonathan Rose, did not show leniency.
He sentenced Yasin to eight years in prison for the sexual offences and an additional six months for the Bail Act breach, to run consecutively.
Furthermore, Yasin was subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was ordered to sign the sex offender register indefinitely.
Judge Rose condemned Yasin's actions, describing them as
