ZAKARY JAFARI SENTENCED IN POTTERS BAR FOR CHILD RAPE AND SEXUAL OFFENCES

A 23-year-old man from Potters Bar has been formally sentenced to prison after being found guilty of committing serious sexual offences against a young boy. The offender, Zakary Jafari, who resides on Allandale Crescent in Potters Bar, was convicted on two counts of rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. These disturbing offences are believed to have taken place when Jafari was approximately 13 or 14 years old, involving a young boy who was vulnerable at the time.

During the court proceedings, Judge Lennard addressed the severity of Jafari’s actions, describing them as akin to bullying. The judge emphasized that Jafari’s choice of a young, defenseless victim was a clear indication of targeting an easy target. The judge stated, “I consider your actions, even at the age of 13 or 14, to be bullying – picking on an easy target,” highlighting the predatory nature of the offences.

Furthermore, the court heard that Jafari had threatened the victim, which underscored the coercive and exploitative nature of the crimes. The judge clarified that these acts were not a matter of sexual experimentation but were, in fact, “appalling exploitation.” A statement from the victim’s mother was summarized during the hearing, revealing that her son now feels “withdrawn and damaged” as a result of the abuse. She also expressed regret that her son had kept the matter quiet for so long, indicating the emotional toll the incidents have taken on him.

Jafari’s defense lawyer, Teresa Hay, acknowledged her client’s respect for the court’s verdict, although she did not agree with the outcome. She pointed out that Jafari, who is now a father himself, was young and lacked maturity at the time of the offences. She also noted that there have been no allegations or suspicions of sexual interest from Jafari since those incidents, suggesting a change in his behavior since then.

Despite Jafari’s denial of the crimes and his refusal to accept guilt, the judge considered a pre-sentence report which indicated that he is not deemed to be dangerous. The report also took into account Jafari’s previous convictions for battery and his guilty plea to possessing cannabis with intent to supply. The police had seized drugs worth approximately £1,380, along with cash and a deal list, during a raid in May of the previous year.

In total, Jafari was sentenced to eight years and two months in prison. The court also granted the possibility of early release after serving half of the sentence, with the offender being placed on licence upon release. The judge remarked that, had Jafari been older at the time of the offences, the sentence could have been as long as 16 years per count. Additionally, the court imposed an unlimited restraining order to protect the victim, ordered the destruction of the drugs, and mandated the forfeiture of the cash seized. The case was further complicated by threats made during the offences and Jafari’s criminal history, although the pre-sentence report emphasized that he is not considered dangerous at present.