Adnan Afzal

A man from the Dewsbury area has been sentenced to an extended 23-year term following his conviction for multiple serious sexual offences committed against a young victim in Kirklees.

Adnan Afzal, aged 35, was found guilty by a jury at Leeds Crown Court of six sexual offences, which included rape, attempted rape, and sexual assaults. The offences took place between 2017 and 2019, with one of the assaults occurring when the victim was a young teenager. Afzal, who resided in the Dewsbury area, denied the charges, leading to a four-day trial where the jury unanimously convicted him on all counts.

The case came to light in 2019 when the victim and her family reported the offences to the authorities. Officers from the Kirklees Police Child Safeguarding Team promptly arrested Afzal. The investigation highlighted the severity of the crimes, which involved repeated abuse over several years in the Kirklees region.

On Friday, 22 April 2022, at Leeds Crown Court, Afzal was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment, with an additional six-year extended licence period, resulting in a total of 23 years under supervision. The custodial sentence reflects the gravity of the offences and Afzal's refusal to admit guilt, which prolonged the victim's ordeal through the trial process.

DC Samantha Smith, of the Kirklees Child Safeguarding Team, commended the victim's bravery in coming forward. She stated: “I want to praise the courage of the victim in this case in coming forwards and reporting the offending Afzal subjected her to. We welcome the sentence he has received, which reflects the very serious nature of his sentencing and his refusal to admit his crimes against his victim and put her and her family through the ordeal of a trial. Victims of sexual offences will always be listened to and we will do all we can with partners to support them, investigate reported offences, and seek justice for them.”

This case underscores the commitment of West Yorkshire Police to tackling child sexual exploitation and supporting victims through the justice system. The sentencing provides some measure of closure for the victim and her family after years of trauma.