Afghan Migrant Convicted of Sexual Assault Near London Bridge

A 25-year-old Afghan migrant, Abid Sherzad, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman who fell asleep after a night out in London. The incident occurred near London Bridge station, where the victim, in her 20s, reported that she dozed off on a bench after accepting pizza from Sherzad.

According to testimony presented at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, the woman had no intention of consenting to any advances. She recounted waking up to find Sherzad touching her intimately, stating, “I didn’t give him any impression that I was consenting whatsoever.” A witness recorded video footage of the assault, showing Sherzad attempting to cover his face with a pizza box.

Sherzad arrived in the United Kingdom nine months before the incident, which took place in June 2023. He was apprehended in October 2023 at a taxpayer-funded hotel in Oxford. Following the court’s verdict, he remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced at the Inner London Crown Court at a later date.

During the trial, Sherzad claimed that his life was endangered in Afghanistan due to his father’s work for the government. Despite these assertions, the court found him guilty of sexual assault based on the evidence presented.

The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding migrant safety and the responsibilities of host nations in protecting vulnerable individuals. Sherzad’s conviction highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in public spaces and the importance of vigilant community awareness and support.