A former Liberal Democrat councillor for Sopwell Ward in St Albans has been jailed for sexual offences with a six-year-old child.
Shakir Rahman, 46, of Creighton Avenue, St Albans, was convicted of the rape of a child under 13 years old and subsequently sentenced to eight years nine months in prison with an extended 12 months on licence.
St Albans Crown Court heard how the victim, who was aged just six years old at the time, was raped by Rahman in St Albans in June 2018.
Investigating officer Det Sgt Zoe Maddison, said: “I’d like to thank the victim and her family for their bravery in supporting this investigation throughout.
“Their strength in reporting this incident has resulted in a dangerous man being put behind bars.
“We take all reports of sexual assault seriously, no matter how long ago they took place, and do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”
Rahman was elected to St Albans district council in May 2018, shortly before the offence took place.
St Albans council leader Cllr Chris White said Rahman was suspended from the council group and the Liberal Democrats as soon as he was charged. He is no longer a party member.
He added: “All candidates for public office are interviewed by a committee of three people where they asked about their background and about any issues in their past or current issues which could be an issue. This question is also on the application form. He said there were none and therefore lied to us.
“He was suspended from the party when he was charged and expelled when he was convicted.
“We would urge anyone with any allegations of this nature to go straight to the police.”
If you suspect a person of carrying out child sexual offences, or think someone you know has been a victim, visit Herts police’s web page on reporting child abuse or call the non-emergency number 101. If someone is in immediate danger of harm, always dial 999.