A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting a teenager in a UK town. On May 3 of last year, Iranian refugee Ahmadreza Khalafi assaulted 19-year-old Abbie Johnson, who has waived her right to anonymity.
While playing hide and seek with her friends on a night out in Bishop Stortford, Abbie was attacked by the 29-year-old near the Black Lion pub, with the attack lasting over 10 minutes. Security staff witnessed the incident and alerted police, leading to Khalafi’s quick arrest and charge. In her personal statement to the court, Abbie spoke of the devastating impact the assault had on her life, saying she “experienced ongoing depression and at times feels suicidal”. Abbie added: “The effects have been severe, long-lasting and continue to affect me every single day. I no longer recognise myself, feeling disconnected from the person I used to be. I feel different, empty and unable to live my life the way I did before. I suffer from constant flashbacks, and intrusive memories flood my mind. I am scared of the dark. I feel frightened in my own home and feel unsafe doing day-to-day activities.”
Khalafi was initially charged with rape, five counts of sexual assault, and one count of sexual assault by penetration (all to the one victim). The rape charge was then withdrawn, and the charge of sexual assault by penetration will lie on file.
At his St Albans Crown Court trial (December 2), Khalafi pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching. Today (February 5), he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment, with three years’ extended licence. He was also given a 10-year restraining order.
Sentencing, His Honour Judge Mann said: “You acted on that day as a predator. You saw someone who was vulnerable and took advantage of her.
“I’m not entirely persuaded you don’t know the difference between right and wrong; it doesn’t matter your background, anyone would know not to go up to a helpless woman and sexually assault them. That’s not right anywhere”.
Khalafi was granted refugee status in the summer of 2024, claiming he would face persecution if he returned to Iran. He was lodging in Stortford, with the help of a church, at the time of the assault.
Det Sgt Adam Haines said: “First and foremost, I would like to commend the victim for the courage she has shown throughout. Whilst I am grateful that she was spared the ordeal of having to go through a trial, preparing for it understandably left her feeling extremely stressed and scared. She continues to be deeply affected by Khalafi’s actions to this day.
“I’d also like to thank the investigation team for their hard work in bringing the case to court and securing a conviction. A sexual predator is now behind bars as a result.”
A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: “Being a victim of a sexual offence is never your fault. If you’ve been a victim, no matter how long ago the offence occurred, please report it. We have specialist officers on hand to provide advice and support throughout an investigation.”