Teenage Girl Confronts Iranian Asylum Seeker Who Sexually Assaulted Her in Bishop’s Stortford and Urges Authorities to Deport Him After Court Sentences Him to Prison

Abbie Johnson, a 19-year-old from Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, displayed remarkable courage last week as she watched the man who assaulted her face justice.

Abbie was attacked during a night out in May last year by Ahmadreza Khalafi, a 29-year-old Iranian asylum seeker who had entered the UK illegally in a lorry the previous year.

Following his sentencing, Abbie didn’t hold back.

She told reporters she believes Khalafi should be deported, explaining, “I don’t feel safe with him here. This is my home country, and he shouldn’t be allowed to stay.”

The Attack and Immediate Arrest

The assault took place in the early hours of May 3, 2025, while Abbie was playing hide-and-seek with friends.

She had gone off alone for a brief moment when Khalafi, described as a Christian refugee, approached her in a bush.

CCTV footage captured the ten-minute attack, which was monitored by a security guard who quickly alerted the police. Khalafi was arrested within minutes.

During the court proceedings, video evidence was shown of Khalafi following Abbie into the bushes.

Abbie, however, chose not to watch the footage, saying it would be too traumatic.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

Khalafi pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual touching on the first day of his trial in December 2025.

Last Thursday, he was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court to four-and-a-half years in prison with an additional three-year extended licence period.

The court also imposed a ten-year restraining order to protect Abbie.

Reflecting on the outcome, Abbie told reporters, “It felt amazing to see him go away. I felt like I had that control back. Before this, he had the control the whole time.”

She described the experience of confronting Khalafi in court as one of the scariest things she had ever done, but ultimately empowering.

The Victim Speaks Out

Abbie read a personal statement in court detailing the lasting impact of the assault on her life, including the loss of her job and ongoing trauma.

“I no longer recognize myself. I feel different, empty, and unable to live my life the way I did before. I have constant flashbacks and intrusive memories,” she said.

Despite the trauma, she expressed relief that justice had been served.

“I got him sent away. He’s punished for what he did to me. Now I feel I can move forward and spread awareness for others.”

Her mother Stacey also spoke to the media, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of safety for children and advocating for stricter measures against foreign criminals.

The Defense and Prosecution

Khalafi’s lawyer argued that he had fled persecution in Iran, had limited formal education, and lacked understanding of British cultural norms.

The defense painted him as remorseful and seeking a quiet life.

However, police reports labeled Khalafi as a high-risk offender, and Judge Jonathan Mann described him as a predator.

The judge emphasized that no background or cultural excuse could justify approaching a helpless woman and committing sexual assault.

Police and Government Response

Hertfordshire Police Detective Sergeant Adam Haines praised Abbie for her courage and highlighted the efforts of the investigation team.

“A sexual predator is now behind bars because of her bravery,” he said.

A Home Office spokesman confirmed that all foreign national offenders are considered for deportation following custodial sentences.

The government reported that 5,430 foreign offenders were returned in the year ending October 2025, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.

Reforms to human rights laws and the appeals system are intended to streamline this process further.

What’s Next?

Abbie hopes Khalafi will be deported to ensure her safety and prevent future incidents.

Meanwhile, she is focused on rebuilding her life and raising awareness about sexual assault and the legal system.

Authorities continue to monitor and enforce measures for foreign offenders in the UK, highlighting ongoing debates around immigration, criminal justice, and victim protection.

Summary

Abbie Johnson, 19, faced her attacker, Iranian asylum seeker Ahmadreza Khalafi, in court after he sexually assaulted her in Hertfordshire.

Khalafi, who entered the UK illegally, was jailed for four-and-a-half years with a three-year extended licence and received a ten-year restraining order.

Abbie called for his deportation, citing ongoing safety concerns.

The case has sparked discussions on foreign national offenders, victim rights, and immigration policy, while Abbie continues her journey of recovery and advocacy.