In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Shahid Razzaq, then 42, of Hare Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Razzaq pleaded guilty to one count of attempting sexual assault of a girl aged over 16 and one count of intentionally attempting to cause or incite a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
The investigation by Greater Manchester Police established that on 2 August 2018, Razzaq targeted a 16-year-old girl outside the Touchstones Museum in Rochdale. After his advances were declined, he stepped in front of the girl, made lewd comments, and attempted to grab her.
Park Incidents and Public Intervention
The following day, the victim identified Razzaq from footage posted on Facebook. The video, filmed on the same day as the museum attack, showed Razzaq being confronted by a member of the public in Broadfield Park.
It emerged that Razzaq had approached a group of younger girls, aged 12, 13, and 15, offering them cash in exchange for sex. When arrested, Razzaq was found in possession of more than £300 in cash. Although he initially denied the offences during police interviews, he later entered guilty pleas in court.
Sentence and Registration Requirements
For his actions in Rochdale, Shahid Razzaq was:
- Sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
- Placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years.
- Handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
The judge at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court handed down the sentence on 17 April 2019. Detective Constable Ruth Thompson stated that Razzaq is a “predatory individual” who targeted young girls in broad daylight, and thanked the member of the public whose intervention led to his arrest.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Razzaq is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Greater Manchester Police. His status and his residency in Rochdale remain under scrutiny.
As a member of the Sex Offenders’ Register until 2029, Razzaq must comply with strict notification requirements. Greater Manchester Police state that they will continue to prioritise the safety of women and girls in public spaces. Any breach of his SHPO or registration conditions will result in his immediate return to Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.