Balal Khan, a convicted rapist, has returned to court for failing to inform the police about his holiday plans, a breach of sex offender registration requirements.
The nation was initially shocked in 2009 when Khan, at the age of 13, committed a brutal sexual assault on a woman.
The attack, one of Britain’s youngest rape cases, led to his sentencing to three years in a young offenders’ institution in 2010.
The case gained significant attention, and Conservative MP David Davies faced criticism for linking the incident to certain ethnic communities, labeling their views on women as ‘barbaric and medieval.’
Failure to Notify Authorities:
Now 28, Khan found himself back in court for the third time, accused of breaching sex offender registration requirements by failing to inform Staffordshire Police about his travel plans.
The terms of the order mandated that he provide seven days’ notice before traveling abroad.
In June 2023, Khan went to Girona and Barcelona for four days without notifying the police, leading to his arrest after Border Control at Manchester Airport alerted his supervising officer.
Court Proceedings and Sentence:
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Khan received a suspended 27-week prison sentence for 12 months. The judge cautioned him about potential imprisonment if he fails to comply with the requirements in the future.
Prosecutor Antony Longworth detailed the circumstances of Khan’s unauthorized travel and subsequent arrest, highlighting the emergency claim related to a family car crash. Khan pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the notification requirements, and his passport was seized.
Defense and Mitigation:
In his defense, Khan’s lawyer, Milly Webb, acknowledged the impulsive decision but emphasized his attempt to lead a law-abiding life. Webb mentioned Khan’s lack of issues with substance misuse or alcohol.
Khan was described as having made a selfish choice to prioritize personal needs over complying with the notification order.
As part of the suspended sentence, Khan must undergo a 12-day rehabilitation activity requirement and complete 60 hours of unpaid work.
Judge’s Warning and Past Offense Details:
Judge Graeme Smith issued a stern warning to Khan, highlighting it as the third occasion of non-compliance.
The judge emphasized the importance of adhering to the requirements and the increasing likelihood of imprisonment with repeated violations.
Khan’s initial offense in 2009 involved a brutal attack on a 20-year-old woman in Stoke-on-Trent, where he physically assaulted and sexually assaulted her before stealing her belongings.
Controversial Remarks and Political Backlash:
The case drew attention in the past when MP David Davies linked Khan’s actions to the importation of ‘barbaric and medieval’ views about women into Britain.
The MP’s comments faced criticism for their perceived misunderstanding of gender relations and cultural sensitivity.