Abbas Alsaed

A convicted child rapist, Abbas Alsaed, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison following an international manhunt led by the Metropolitan Police. Alsaed, 28, from Kingsbury, targeted an 11-year-old girl in Fryent Country Park, Wembley, starting in May 2021. Posing as a child protection officer, he gained her trust, obtained her mobile phone number, and met her repeatedly over the following year, during which he raped and sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions.

Concerns raised by a member of staff at the victim's school prompted police involvement in June 2022. Alsaed fled the country before he could be arrested, prompting detectives from the Met's Predatory Offender Unit to track him to the Netherlands. He was apprehended at St Pancras station in London upon his return to the UK on 15 August 2022.

Alsaed pleaded guilty to eight counts of rape and sexual assault at Harrow Crown Court on 1 December 2022. Sentencing occurred on 21 June 2023, where he received 14 years' imprisonment. He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Qamar Islam from the North West Command Unit described Alsaed as 'a dangerous and manipulative individual, who took advantage of a vulnerable child in order to carry out terrible crimes, which will live with the victim forever.' DC Islam commended the victim's courage, noting that her bravery in speaking with officers was instrumental in the investigation. He added that the swift arrest and successful prosecution demonstrate the Met's commitment to pursuing predatory offenders, reassuring victims of rape and sexual assault that they will investigate and prosecute at the earliest opportunity.

The case was reported by The Standard on 21 June 2023, highlighting the diligent work of the Metropolitan Police in bringing Alsaed to justice despite his attempts to evade capture.