Sabjan Burkazi 30

Description

A 30yearold man who persistently stalked a teenage girl before grabbing her in an alleyway in StokeonTrent has been jailed.

Sabjan Burkazi, of Tunstall, was sentenced to three-years-and-four-months at StokeonTrent Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 5 March) after he admitting engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, stalking causing serious alarm or distress and three counts of making an indecent images of children. He had initially denied the offences but changed his plea to guilty shortly before his trial was due to start.

The offences came to light following an incident in August last year, when Burkazi approached the girl as she walked through an alleyway in Tunstall. He grabbed her, but fled moments later when a member of the public intervened. We arrested him at his home shortly after.

Following a robust investigation by officers from our public protection unit (PPU), we found that Burkazi had repeatedly targeted the same girl over several months, approaching her in public and asking for her phone number and social media details, which she refused to give. 

A search of his mobile phone uncovered indecent images of children.

The strength of the evidence gathered by officers was cited as a key factor in Burkazi’s decision to enter guilty pleas in court.

As well as a custodial sentence, Burkazi was handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing any future contact with the victim. He was also served with a five year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and put on the Sex Offenders Register for the next 10 years.

Detective Inspector Adam Goodger, from our child protection team, said

"Burkazi caused significant distress through his behaviour.

“The victim’s courage, combined with the thorough work of our officers in gathering the evidence, has ensured that he was held accountable for his crimes.

“This case demonstrates our continued commitment in Staffordshire to supporting those affected by these offences and taking strong action against those responsible.”