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Afghan Teen Asylum Seekers Jailed for Rape of 15-Year-Old After Judge Lifts Anonymity

The case underscores the court's reliance on victim-shot video alongside a rare decision to name under-18 offenders.

Overview

  • Warwick Crown Court sentenced Jan Jahanzeb to 10 years and 8 months and Israr Niazal to 9 years and 10 months following their October guilty pleas.
  • Judge Sylvia de Bertodano lifted reporting restrictions to identify the 17-year-olds, citing public interest and the risk of misinformation.
  • Both were ordered to sign the sex offender register for life, given indefinite restraining orders, and will start in a young offenders institution before transfer to adult prison.
  • Prosecutors presented the victim’s distressing phone video and CCTV showing her being led away, with evidence that Jahanzeb summoned Niazal and covered her mouth as she screamed.
  • The court heard both were unaccompanied Afghan asylum seekers who arrived within the past year; the judge recommended deportation steps, with Jahanzeb served papers and Niazal’s case referred for consideration, and a passerby helped the victim reach police.