Man jailed in connection with sexual assault in Bishop’s Stortford
Sentencing Khalafi, the judge described him as a “predator” who carried out a prolonged assault on a vulnerable woman
A man has been jailed at St Albans Crown Court today (Thursday 5 February) in connection with a sexual assault in Bishop’s Stortford.
Ahmadreza Khalafi, aged 29, of no fixed address, was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment, with three years extended licence, after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual touching at a previous hearing.
He was also given a 10-year restraining order.
The assault occurred in the town centre at around 2.50am on Saturday 3 May, 2025.
Police say security personnel working nearby saw what happened and immediately alerted them.
On the first day of trial (2 December), Khalafi pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching and was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.
In her personal statement, which the victim read in court, she described the devastating impact that the assault has had on her life, including the loss of her job.
“The effects have been severe, long-lasting, and continue to affect me every single day,” she said.
“I no longer recognise myself, feeling disconnected from the person I used to be. I feel different, empty and unable to live my life the way I did before.
“I suffer from constant flashbacks and intrusive memories flood my mind. I am scared of the dark. I feel frightened in my own home and feel unsafe doing day-to-day activities.”
Sentencing Khalafi, the judge described him as a “predator” who carried out a prolonged assault on a vulnerable woman. Pre-sentence reports described him as a high risk of causing sexual harm to women.
Detective Sergeant Adam Haines said:
“First and foremost, I would like to commend the victim for the courage she has shown throughout. Whilst I am grateful that she was spared the ordeal of having to go through a trial, preparing for it understandably left the victim feeling extremely stressed and scared. She continues to be deeply affected by Khalafi’s actions to this day.
“I’d also like to thank the investigation team for their hard work in bringing the case to court and securing a conviction. A sexual predator is now behind bars as a result.”
Anyone in Hertfordshire who has experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for practical and emotional support.