Man jailed for sexual abuse of girl in Calderdale 30 years ago
The victim told the court how Akhtar " stole my childhood and dignity"
Last updated 17th Apr 2025
A man who sexually abused a young girl in the Calderdale district more than 30 years ago has been jailed.
6\1 year old Parvaiz Akhtar was handed a 14 year term at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday (April 15), having been arrested upon his return to the UK in April 2024.
His victim came forward in May 2023 to report the abuse she'd suffered as a child over 30 years ago.
Akhtar was charged with 12 offences including three counts of rape and nine counts of sexual assault on a child.
He denied 10 of the charges, while admitting to two. He was found guilty of all of the offences following a five day trial.
In addition to the prison sentence he was be forced to sign the sex offenders' register for life.
In a victim impact statement, the survivor wrote:
"Parvaiz Akhtar's grooming and sexual abuse stole my childhood and dignity, causing decades of self-hatred and isolation that has left a devastating impact on my life including my relationships, my family and my cultural identity. His manipulative actions left me deeply traumatised.
"After over 30 years of silent suffering, I've finally found my voice and I am reclaiming my life, knowing the shame belongs to him. For any survivor, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who face additional barriers, please know it's never too late to speak out. Your story matters, and support is available to help you heal and reclaim your life."
Detective Constable Kerry Burhouse who led the investigation for West Yorkshire Police, said:
"We know the sentence handed to Akhtar today is a result of the immense bravery and courage of the survivor to report the abuse she suffered and to then go on to relive those traumatic experiences during the criminal justice process. I commend her for doing so.
“The strength it takes to speak up and report offending of this nature cannot be underestimated. She was a young child when this started and was exploited by a predatory male through no fault of her own.
“I hope it brings some reassurance that he is now behind bars but also highlights that, no matter the length of time passed, we will always do what we can to investigate and bring these offenders to justice.
"I also hope this will encourage others who may have suffered similar experiences to come forward and report them to us."