Abdolrahman Banafsha

Abdolrahman Banafsha, a 20-year-old Iranian migrant who arrived in the UK via small boat, has been sentenced to 27 months in a young offender’s institution for a horrific sexual assault on a vulnerable woman in Cheltenham.

The attack occurred in the early hours of 31 August 2024, as the 18-year-old victim was walking home after a night out. Banafsha, who was 19 at the time, targeted the woman and molested her on two separate occasions during the incident. He first touched her breasts under her clothing and then assaulted her again by touching her between her legs over her clothing. The assault took place on the streets of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, leaving the victim deeply traumatised.

The case was heard at Bristol Crown Court on 5 November 2025, where Judge Lambert described the attack as a serious offence warranting tough punishment. Banafsha was handed a concurrent 27-month custodial sentence. In addition to his imprisonment, he has been ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and must report his whereabouts to the police throughout that period, ensuring ongoing monitoring to protect the public.

Gloucestershire Police investigated the incident promptly, leading to Banafsha's arrest and subsequent prosecution. The court proceedings highlighted the vulnerability of the victim and the predatory nature of the assault, with the judge emphasising the need for deterrence against such crimes. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by UK authorities to address sexual offences, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals.