Brighton Man Given Sexual Risk Order To Protect Women And Girls

Wednesday, 13 July 2022 06:24

A court order has been given to a Brighton man linked to sexual exploitation, which will limit his access to vulnerable women and girls.

Abdul Zahedian, 63, of Alfriston Close in Brighton, was given the order after a long-running investigation.

Brighton Magistrates' imposed it with a number of conditions aimed at protecting members of the public from sexual harm.

It prohibits Zahedian from:

Contacting or communicating in any way with any female recognised as vulnerable by a statutory agency, unless inadvertent, not reasonably avoidable or with the express approval of social services or a police officer.
Approaching or having any contact or communication with one specific named woman.
Driving a vehicle unless he informs police of the make, model and registration.
Inviting any vulnerable female into a vehicle he is driving or over which he has control.
Communicating in a sexual manner with any vulnerable female not involved with him in a professional, vocational or educational capacity.

The two-year order will apply across the United Kingdom and any breach could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings, of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said:

“Sussex Police is committed to protecting vulnerable women and girls from exploitation and Sexual Risk Orders are vital in reducing perpetrators’ ability to cause harm without securing a conviction.

“We will always act proactively and use all the tools at our disposal to keep our communities safe.

“In this instance, the court recognised Zahedian poses a significant risk to vulnerable females and we are pleased to now have these protective measures in place.”

For more information on how to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences, visit the Sussex Police website.