In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Hewad Shivzad, of Suffolk Street, Oxbridge, Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court for a violent and horrific sexual attack on a primary school-age girl. Hewad Shivzad isolated the vulnerable child and lured her away to subject her to a prolonged assault lasting up to 40 minutes. Despite the victim’s repeated pleas for him to stop, Shivzad forced himself on her, causing immense psychological trauma that led the victim to self-harm and experience deep depression.
The court heard that Hewad Shivzad attempted to deceive the authorities regarding his identity, claiming to be 19 years old—a claim Judge Howard Crowson described as a “lie” told to facilitate an asylum claim in 2017. The judge noted that Shivzad appeared substantially older than 21 and showed a complete lack of concern for the victim. During the trial, Shivzad further traumatised the family by baselessly claiming the innocent girl was a “cunning actress” in a vile attempt to evade justice for his sickening behaviour.
A moving statement from the girl’s mother detailed how the rape had “ruined” their lives, leaving the family struggling with the daughter’s violent outbursts and emotional distress. A jury convicted Hewad Shivzad of rape and sexual assault. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, with an additional year of supervision. The judge ordered that the Parole Board would determine his safety for release only after he had served at least two-thirds of his custodial term, while also noting that he faces potential deportation to Afghanistan.
As a result of his depraved actions, Hewad Shivzad was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. He was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which prohibits any unsupervised contact with children under 16, and an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim and her family. He will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Cleveland Police, remaining under supervision for the duration of his life. Any breach of these orders in the Stockton area or elsewhere will result in his immediate arrest and prosecution.
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