SARDAR KHAN'S SHOCKING CRIME IN STRETFORD: SCHOOLGIRL SEXUAL ASSAULT LEAVES COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

In a case that has sent ripples through the community of Stretford, Sardar Khan, a 20-year-old shopkeeper from Demesne Road, Whalley Range, was recently involved in a disturbing incident involving a young schoolgirl. The events unfolded over a period of time starting in 2012, when Khan was operating his small business, Khan’s Late Shop, located in the heart of Stretford.

According to court proceedings, Khan initially established a friendly rapport with the girl, who was a regular customer at his shop. Over time, their interactions grew more personal, with Khan engaging in conversations that appeared harmless at first. However, the relationship took a sinister turn as Khan began to hug and touch the girl inappropriately, crossing boundaries that should never have been breached.

The prosecuting lawyer, Alison Heyworth, detailed the gravity of the case during the court hearing. She explained that Khan, who was 18 at the time of the incident, lured the girl into the back of his shop in Firswood, where he committed a sexual assault against her will. The assault was only brought to light when the girl confided in a police officer at her school, revealing the distressing details of her experience.

Following his arrest, Khan maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges. He faced a total of four charges in court, with three of them being dismissed after the trial. Ultimately, Khan was found guilty of one count of sexual assault. The court proceedings took place in March of this year, and the verdict marked a significant moment in the case.

During the trial, Khan’s defense attorney, Allan Armbrister, highlighted that since the incident, his client had made efforts to turn his life around, including settling down with a wife. Despite this, the judge, Leslie Hull, emphasized the serious impact of the assault on the victim. The judge stated, “The impact on your victim has been significant. She now finds it hard to concentrate on other things in her life.”

In sentencing, Khan was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid community service at Minshull Street Crown Court. Additionally, he was placed under a 12-month community order with supervision by the probation service. The court also imposed a ban on him working with children for the next ten years and mandated that he register as a sex offender for five years.

The case has not sat well with the victim’s family. The girl’s father expressed his disappointment and frustration, telling the Manchester Evening News that he believed Khan should have been jailed. He said, “To see him walk free is upsetting. I think any sexual predator like that should be locked up. I just want to know why he picked my daughter and her alone?”

The girl, who cannot be named due to legal restrictions, is currently studying at college. She shared her feelings about the ordeal, saying, “It was scary at the time because I didn’t know what to do or if anyone would believe me. I find it hard to sleep and concentrate as I can’t stop thinking about it.” Her experience has left a lasting mark on her, transforming her from a once happy and outgoing girl into someone more reserved and cautious.

This case continues to resonate within the community of Stretford, raising questions about safeguarding and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.