Police have welcomed the removal of a deceptive sex attacker from society following his ten-year jail term.
The defendant, Mohammad Tawfiqi, aged 22, attended a house party at a residence in Stratford where he carried out his attack on the victim.
At the gathering, he introduced himself to those present using an alias before sexually assaulting the 17-year-old inside the bathroom facilities. After detectives launched a public call for information, he was arrested and found guilty of rape in March.
A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police explained that in 2024, while the complainant was inside the bathroom at a residential party, 22-year-old Mohammad Tawfiqi, who had also been invited to the event, forced his way into the space, turned the lock and carried out the offence. The spokesperson added that they circulated a public appeal to trace Tawfiqi, who had told those at the property he was going by the name Papino. A resident of Hereford subsequently got in touch to provide details that led to Tawfiqi being identified as an Iranian national living in Stratford at that time, and he was then arrested at his place of work.
The defendant persistently provided false information regarding his identity and the circumstances surrounding the incident, with investigators pointing out that he was held responsible solely due to the victim’s bravery in coming forward.
The spokesperson continued by saying that he attempted to provide investigators with an incorrect name, and when questioned, he delivered a pre-prepared declaration maintaining his innocence. Nevertheless, thanks to the complainant’s bravery, a thorough case was built and on Thursday 19 March at Warwick Crown Court he was found guilty of rape. He was handed a ten-year custodial sentence on that same date. The spokesperson expressed hope that this result demonstrates to survivors that the constabulary takes reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and will conduct thorough investigations into any claims made.
Detective Constable Ella Stewart observed that the complainant has displayed exceptional bravery throughout this entire process and she wished to publicly recognise her efforts.
Tawfiqi has shown no remorse for his horrifying attack and, whilst no sentence can reverse what transpired, we are satisfied he is no longer in the community, according to the officer.
Those affected by sexual offences can contact the constabulary confidentially through the force website or by dialling 101. For emergencies, members of the public should always dial 999.
Additional help is available from independent charities and organisations, including Safeline, which provides free, independent and confidential assistance for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse. All their services hold external accreditation, are specialist in nature and tailored to individual requirements.