Hassnain Shahzad

On 25 August 2023, at approximately 22:48, Hassnain Shahzad, then a 27-year-old Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police, committed a sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl while she and her mother were queuing to pay for shopping at the Tesco store in Bishopsgate, London. Shahzad, who was behind them in the queue, passed by the victim and deliberately touched her bottom. The victim initially did not realise the intentional nature of the act due to the crowded store but later became aware after reviewing the incident with her mother.

After leaving the store, the mother and daughter headed towards their hotel. CCTV footage captured Shahzad following them onto the pavement, where he approached the victim from behind and touched her again. The footage clearly showed that Shahzad had ample space to avoid contact but instead made a direct approach towards the girl, confirming the predatory intent of his actions. The victim, distressed by the encounter, informed her mother, who was supported by two young women who encouraged them to return to the store to report the incident and review the CCTV evidence.

The City of London Police responded swiftly to the report made the following morning. Officers reviewed the CCTV footage and used bank card details from the purchase of pineapple chunks—noticed by the victim as Shahzad carried them—to identify him. Shahzad, residing at Ilford Lane in Ilford, was arrested at his home on 27 September 2023. During the search, police seized clothing matching that seen on CCTV and his mobile phone, which contained video footage from two days after the assault showing him secretly filming women on the street without permission, indicating a pattern of predatory behaviour.

Shahzad was charged with two counts of sexual assault. Despite clear evidence, he pleaded not guilty, forcing the victim through a protracted trial process. On 6 January 2025, a jury at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty. Sentencing followed shortly after, where he received six months' imprisonment for each count, to run concurrently but suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and will remain on the sex offenders register for seven years. The victim's mother highlighted the devastating impact on her daughter, describing the loss of her innocence and ongoing fear, while praising her child's resilience throughout the ordeal.

Detective Constable Sarah Elsom of the City of London Police described the crime as 'deplorable,' noting Shahzad's abuse of his position of trust and his refusal to admit guilt, which prolonged the victim's suffering. The mother expressed gratitude for the police's dedication, stating that the quick response and thorough investigation brought Shahzad to justice. This case underscores the importance of reporting such incidents, as evidenced by the clear CCTV and forensic evidence that led to his conviction.