A teenager has been commended for her courage after helping convict a man who sexually assaulted her in Kirklees. Specialist safeguarding officers have thanked the survivor for coming forward after the sentencing of Aslam Masood, 51, at Leeds Crown Court on Monday 1 June.
Masood, from the Lister Hills area of Bradford, was jailed for 15 months after admitting an offence of adult sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 17. The offence took place in Kirklees on 20 February 2024 and was reported by the victim just two days later.
At sentencing, Masood was also made subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order. Police said the case showed how important it is for victims to report sexual offences so they can be investigated and prosecuted by specially trained officers.
DC O’Donnell of the Kirklees Adult Safeguarding Unit praised the victim’s bravery, saying she had shown real courage in coming forward and that the offending had left her with long-term psychological scars. He said Masood had been made to answer for his actions and hoped the sentence would give the survivor some comfort.
Officers continue to urge all victims of sexual offending to contact police, adding that every report is taken seriously and victims can be signposted to further support services if needed.