Javed Iqbal

On 26 May 2025, Javed Iqbal, a 57-year-old man from Addingham Gardens in Armley, Leeds, followed a 13-year-old girl around an Aldi supermarket, an incident that left the young victim traumatised and struggling with severe anxiety.

Iqbal, who had previously been jailed for four years in 2016 for sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 and detaining a child, was released from prison in May 2020 but remained subject to a sexual harm prevention order. CCTV footage captured him watching the girl as she shopped for cat food and gesturing towards her when she turned around, continuing to observe her until she reached the checkout. The girl, who had only recently begun visiting the store independently to foster her independence, became frightened and immediately called her mother, who collected her from the premises.

Police were notified, leading to Iqbal's arrest and interview, during which he denied the offence. A devastating victim personal statement detailed the profound impact on the girl, who reported uncontrollable crying, panic attacks, nightmares, and an inability to leave the house or go to shops alone. She described feeling nervous around people, avoiding parks and time with friends, a stark contrast to her previously social nature. Prosecutor Jessica Lister highlighted the girl's natural fear during the incident.

At Leeds Crown Court on 18 August 2025, Iqbal pleaded guilty to breaching his sexual harm prevention order. His defence, represented by Andrew Petterson, sought a 25 per cent reduction in sentence due to the early guilty plea and noted Iqbal's efforts in custody, including additional classes and workshop work. However, His Honour Judge Khokhar described the breach as serious, emphasising the enormous harm caused to the victim, whose life had been significantly affected with lasting fears and anxiety.

Iqbal was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with an indefinite restraining order imposed. This case underscores the ongoing risks posed by individuals under sexual harm prevention orders and the devastating consequences of such breaches on young victims, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post and supported by West Yorkshire Police evidence.