Sadeq Nikzad, 29, followed teenager through Falkirk before leading her to courtyard where he attacked her – despite victim repeatedly telling him her age
An Afghan asylum seeker who raped a 15-year-old schoolgirl after following her through a busy town centre in broad daylight has been jailed for nine years.
Sadeq Nikzad, 29, targeted the teenager after spotting her walking alone on Falkirk High Street on October 16, 2023, as she returned from collecting a prescription.
The predator approached the vulnerable girl and pestered her for her phone number, made sexual comments, and eventually led her to a courtyard behind The Courtyard pub where he carried out the horrific attack.
Despite the victim repeatedly telling him she was only 15 years old, Nikzad subjected her to what prosecutors called an “appalling, opportunistic attack” that left the teenager in a state of terror.
‘I Knew Something Had Gone Wrong’
The harrowing details of the attack emerged during Nikzad’s trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, where he was convicted on March 5 after denying the charges.
The victim told jurors she had never seen Nikzad before and found it “quite hard at times to decipher what he was trying to say to me” due to his limited English.
In emotional testimony, she revealed how she froze during the assault: “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 came across the teenager immediately after the attack described finding her in a terrible state.
As I crossed the road, that’s when I saw the girl and the man coming out of the lane – and the girl came straight over to me. She was in a daze. She looked stunned,” the witness told the court.
“I knew something had gone wrong. She came to me for comfort. She said she kept telling the guy she was only 15.”
Father’s Horror at Daughter’s State
The victim’s father told the court his daughter phoned him after the attack to tell him what had happened, and when he saw her, she was in a state he had never witnessed before.
I have never seen her in that state before,” he said, describing her as “terrified” following the assault.
The teenager had simply been walking through the town centre after collecting a prescription when Nikzad began following her and repeatedly asking for her phone number and whether she had a boyfriend.
Swift Police Response
Police Scotland officers were praised for their rapid response, with Nikzad identified, arrested and taken off the streets within hours of the attack being reported.
Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre.
Nikzad’s heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal.
I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident.
12-Year Extended Sentence
At the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday, Judge John Morris KC handed Nikzad a 12-year extended sentence, comprising nine years in custody and three years of supervision upon release.
The Afghan national was also:
- Placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely
- Given an indefinite non-harassment order banning any contact with his victim
- Expected to face deportation at the end of his prison sentence
The court heard that Nikzad expects to be deported from the UK once his sentence is completed.
‘Should Have Been Safe’
Katrina Parkes, Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, praised the victim’s courage in coming forward and ensuring Nikzad was held accountable.
This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business,” she said.
The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm.
This type of offending will not be tolerated, and I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to men who commit serious acts of sexual violence against women and children.
Community Impact
Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk, acknowledged the serious impact such crimes have on local communities.
We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”
The daylight attack in a busy town centre has raised concerns about safety, with authorities emphasizing their commitment to tackling sexual crimes.
Message to Victims
Detective Inspector Wilson urged other victims of sexual crimes to come forward, assuring them they would receive support throughout the process.
Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us. We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.
Ms Parkes echoed this message: “I would urge anyone who has experienced similar crime to report it. You will be listened to and supported as we use every tool available in seeking justice.”
Trial by Jury
Nikzad had denied raping the girl but was found guilty by a majority verdict following his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The conviction represents another successful prosecution of sexual violence against women and children in Scotland, with authorities hoping it will encourage other victims to come forward.
The case has highlighted the vulnerability of young people in public spaces and the importance of swift police action when such serious crimes are reported.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available through Police Scotland on 101 or in emergencies on 999. Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
