Man raped 15-year-old after following her in busy town centre

A man who raped a 15-year-old girl after following her in a busy town centre has been jailed for nine years.

Sadeq Nikzad, an Afghan asylum seeker, preyed on the teenager after spotting her in Falkirk in October 2023. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said the 29-year-old attempted to speak to the girl, repeatedly asking for her phone number and uttering sexual remarks.

He then led her into a courtyard where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault. Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre.

"Nikzad's heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal. "I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident." Nikzad was in March found guilty of rape following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

At the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday, Judge John Morris KC said: "Mr Nikzad, whilst I appreciate that you do not accept you have done anything wrong, the fact remains that you have been convicted of an extremely serious sexual offence against a child." He added that "only a substantial custodial sentence" would be appropriate. Read more from Sky News:UK temperatures 'could hit 46C in future'Singer R Kelly rushed to hospitalIsraeli tanks 'kill 51 people waiting for aid' Nikzad was handed a 12-year extended sentence, with nine years in prison and three years on licence once released back into the community.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register indefinitely and banned from contacting his victim. Katrina Parkes, procurator fiscal for high court sexual offences, said: "This was an appalling, opportunistic attack on a young girl who should have been safe going about her daily business.

"The victim should be commended for reporting Sadeq Nikzad to the police, ensuring that he has now been held accountable while also protecting others from harm.".