Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 16th April 2025 at 17:10hrs
A 61-year-old man, Parvaiz Akhtar, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison at Bradford Crown Court for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of a young girl, which began when she was just five years old and continued until she was approximately 15.
Akhtar appeared in court yesterday, April 15th, to receive his sentence after a lengthy legal process triggered by the survivor bravely coming forward in May 2023, some 30 years after the abuse began.
She disclosed the horrific ordeal to a third party, prompting an investigation by the Calderdale District Safeguarding Team.
Enquiries revealed that Akhtar had left the country, but he was arrested upon his return to the UK in April 2024. He was subsequently charged with 12 offences, including three counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault on a child.
During the legal proceedings, Akhtar denied 10 of the 12 charges against him. However, he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and one count of rape.
A five-day trial took place at Bradford Crown Court in February for the remaining 10 charges, culminating in a unanimous guilty verdict from the jury on all counts.
In addition to the significant custodial sentence, Akhtar will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely, ensuring continued monitoring and restrictions upon his release.
The profound impact of Akhtar’s crimes was powerfully articulated in a statement from the survivor:
“Parvaiz Akhtar’s grooming and sexual abuse stole my childhood and dignity, causing decades of self-hatred and isolation that has left a devastating impact on my life including my relationships, my family and my cultural identity. His manipulative actions left me deeply traumatised.”
She continued, “After over 30 years of silent suffering, I’ve finally found my voice and I am reclaiming my life, knowing the shame belongs to him. For any survivor, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who face additional barriers, please know it’s never too late to speak out. Your story matters, and support is available to help you heal and reclaim your life.”
Detective Constable Kerry Burhouse of Calderdale District Safeguarding Team, who led the investigation, praised the survivor’s immense courage.
“We know the sentence handed to Akhtar today is a result of the immense bravery and courage of the survivor to report the abuse she suffered and to then go on to relive those traumatic experiences during the criminal justice process. I commend her for doing so.”
“The strength it takes to speak up and report offending of this nature cannot be underestimated. She was a young child when this started and was exploited by a predatory male through no fault of her own,” DC Burhouse added.
She expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some reassurance to the survivor and also serve as a message that “no matter the length of time passed, we will always do what we can to investigate and bring these offenders to justice.”
DC Burhouse also urged other potential victims to come forward: “I also hope this will encourage others who may have suffered similar experiences to come forward and report them to us.
When you report these crimes, you will be listened to, you will be believed, and we will do all we can to hold these dangerous perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
Support for Victims of Sexual Assault:
West Yorkshire Police has specially trained officers to support and investigate sexual offences.
If you have been sexually assaulted, please know that help is available. You can contact the police or seek support from specialist organisations.
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