An Afghan asylum seeker has been convicted in Scotland for the horrific rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl. The incident, which took place in Falkirk town centre, has shocked the local community and raises pressing concerns over public safety and the handling of asylum seekers in the UK.
## Afghan asylum seeker convicted of rape in Falkirk
The conviction of Sadeq Nikzad, 29, follows a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, where he was found guilty of raping the teenager. The assault occurred on October 16, 2023, after Nikzad followed the girl, demanded her phone number, and made unwanted sexual advances before ultimately raping her behind The Courtyard pub. Despite his denial of the charges, a jury found him guilty by a majority verdict.
This case highlights serious issues surrounding the safety of vulnerable individuals in public spaces and the responsibilities of authorities in managing individuals seeking asylum. It also brings to the forefront the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence in navigating trauma in their aftermath.
### Cliff Notes
– Sadeq Nikzad, 29, was convicted of raping a 15-year-old girl in Falkirk town centre.
– The attack occurred on October 16, 2023, and the victim faced language barriers while communicating her distress.
– A passerby witnessed the victim shortly after the assault and reported her extreme emotional distress.
– Nikzad is likely to face deportation after serving his sentence and has been placed on the sex offenders register.
– Sentencing has been deferred for a background report.
The trial revealed shocking details of the victim’s experience, as she recounted the trauma of the attack while struggling to communicate with her assailant due to his limited English. “It was quite hard at times to decipher what he was trying to say to me,” she stated. “I knew I needed to get help as soon as possible but I didn’t really have anything in me to just push him off. If he were to look he would see I was very unhappy and scared.”
A woman who passed by during the aftermath described seeing the young girl, who appeared dazed and in shock. “As I crossed the road, that’s when I saw the girl and the man coming out of the lane,” she said. “I knew something had gone wrong. She came to me for comfort. She said she kept telling the guy she was only 15.”
The girl’s father reported the impact of the attack on his daughter, stating, “I have never seen her in that state before.” The court was informed that the victim’s emotional state had deteriorated significantly since the incident.
Judge John Morris KC has deferred Nikzad’s sentencing to allow for the preparation of a background report, with his remand in custody continued. The court’s actions underline the serious legal implications of the case, not only for Nikzad but also for the victim and the wider community.
### Quick Answers
#### What charges did Sadeq Nikzad face?
Sadeq Nikzad was charged with the rape of a 15-year-old girl, a crime for which he was found guilty by a jury.
#### What will happen to Nikzad after his sentence?
Nikzad is likely to be deported from the UK after completing his prison sentence and has been placed on the sex offenders register.
#### How did the victim respond during the attack?
The victim reported feeling scared and helpless during the assault, highlighting difficulties in understanding Nikzad’s communication due to his limited English.