Sussex Police has secured a court order against a Brighton man linked to sexual exploitation that significantly reduces his access to vulnerable women.
Abdul Zahedian, 63, of Alfriston Close in Brighton, has been given a Sexual Risk Order, which imposes a number of conditions aimed at protecting members of the public from sexual harm.
As part of a long-running investigation into the exploitation of vulnerable women and girls in the city, Brighton Magistrates’ Court enacted the order prohibiting Zahedian from:
- Contacting or communicating in any way with any female recognised as vulnerable by a statutory agency, unless inadvertent, not reasonably avoidable or with the express approval of social services or a police officer.
- Approaching or having any contact or communication with one specific named woman.
- Driving a vehicle unless he informs police of the make, model and registration.
- Inviting any vulnerable female into a vehicle he is driving or over which he has control.
- Communicating in a sexual manner with any vulnerable female not involved with him in a professional, vocational or educational capacity.
The two-year order will apply across the United Kingdom and any breach could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings, of Brighton and Hove’s Safeguarding Investigations Unit, said: “Sussex Police is committed to protecting vulnerable women and girls from exploitation and Sexual Risk Orders are vital in reducing perpetrators’ ability to cause harm without securing a conviction.
“We will always act proactively and use all the tools at our disposal to keep our communities safe.
“In this instance, the court recognised Zahedian poses a significant risk to vulnerable females and we are pleased to now have these protective measures in place.”
For more information on how to report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences, visit the Sussex Police website.
