Legal News
Two years in jail for self-styled healer who sexually assaulted client (19 October 2015)
Date: 19/10/2015
Birmingham Crown Court has sentenced a self-styled “Holy Man” who sexually assaulted a woman during a healing ritual to two years' imprisonment.
Syed Shah, 29, from Stechford in Birmingham visited the victim at her home and ordered her to undress before sexually assaulting her as part of the ritual.
The victim notified the police and Shah was arrested. He denied being anywhere near the place where the assault took place. However, his mobile phone data was analysed, which then put him near the victim’s home.
Shah was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty to sexual assault.
Senior Crown Prosecutor from the West Midlands CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, Claire Nicholls, said:
“Syed Shah promoted himself within his local community as a holy man and therefore someone who had a position of responsibility and – more importantly – trust.
“He breached this trust and preyed on a vulnerable victim whom he assaulted for his own personal sexual gratification.
“He used his position of authority as a holy man and healer to pressurise the victim into consenting to sexual acts. This meant she did not consent freely, which is required in law.
“I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the victim who came forward and supported the prosecution case, which has enabled us to bring to justice a very dangerous sexual predator.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a charge involving sexual offences, including rape, sexual assault, grooming, child sexual exploitation, prostitution, revenge porn and making, distributing or downloading indecent images.
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Where a client is not eligible for Legal Aid, Duncan Lewis offers competitively priced fixed fees, wherever possible.
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For expert legal advice on sexual offence allegations, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
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