Authorities are actively searching for a dangerous sex offender who recently made an attempt to rape a young girl.
The offender, identified as Muhammad Zahid, aged 59 and hailing from Burnley, Lancashire, tried to carry out the assault on an 11-year-old girl in 2021. Fortunately, the courageous victim thwarted the attack by fighting back, leading to Zahid receiving a 10-and-a-half-year sentence at Burnley Crown Court on October 7. This sentence comprised nine years and six months of incarceration, along with an additional year on extended license as the judge classified Zahid as a dangerous offender.
During the trial, Zahid forced the victim to testify but absconded midway through the proceedings. Currently, a Bench Warrant is issued for his arrest. Detective Constable Hannah Brown from Lancashire Police emphasized Zahid’s dangerous nature, highlighting his predatory intent towards a child. Brown commended the victim for her bravery in reporting the incident and testifying in court, underscoring Zahid’s cowardice in fleeing justice.
In a statement presented to the court, the victim’s mother expressed the emotional toll the incident had on her daughter, leading to fear, nightmares, and withdrawal. However, with the legal resolution, the victim has been able to find closure and move forward positively.
Despite denying the charge of attempted rape, Zahid was found guilty by a jury at Burnley Crown Court. In addition to the prison sentence, he has been subjected to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
If you have any information on Zahid’s whereabouts, please contact the authorities by calling 999 or emailing 536@lancashire.police.uk, quoting log 349 of November 28, 2022.