SHJAHAN IQBAL FROM EARLEY SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN READING

In December 2017, Shahjhan Iqbal, a resident of London Road in Earley, was involved in a disturbing case involving an attempt to exploit a minor. Iqbal, aged 30 at the time, admitted to engaging in inappropriate communications and attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sexual purposes.

According to court records, Iqbal exchanged explicit messages with the young girl, during which he asked her to show him her private parts. The communication escalated to him requesting her to reveal herself physically and to meet in person. The police intervened before any meeting could take place, leading to his arrest.

Between September 2 and September 6, Iqbal made efforts to arrange a face-to-face encounter, clearly indicating his intentions to engage in sexual contact. His actions and communications revealed a predatory mindset, which was confirmed when he was caught attempting to meet the girl. Authorities detained him, and he was subsequently brought before the court.

At Reading Crown Court, Judge Paul Dugdale sentenced Iqbal to a term of 12 months in prison. During the sentencing, the judge expressed strong disapproval of Iqbal’s conduct, stating, “There is no doubt that when you went to meet her on September 4, it was your intention, at the age of 30, to have sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl.”

Judge Dugdale detailed the nature of Iqbal’s inappropriate comments, which included remarks about kissing the girl’s breasts, having her sit on his lap near his genitals, and explicit requests for her to show her private parts. The judge noted that if the case had gone to trial, the sentence could have been as long as 18 months, but due to Iqbal’s guilty plea, the sentence was reduced.

Furthermore, the judge emphasized the implications of the sentence, stating that Iqbal would be required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years. Given his status as a non-UK national, the Border Control authorities are likely to consider deportation back to Pakistan, although this decision rests with them.

In addition to the prison sentence, Iqbal was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a standard surcharge, aimed at preventing further offenses and ensuring monitoring of his conduct moving forward.