Man who tried to rape girl jailed after going on run

Muhammad Zahid made a "cowardly choice" to flee, police said

A man who went on the run half way through a trial for the attempted rape of an 11-year-old girl has been jailed in his absence.

Muhammad Zahid attacked the girl in Burnley in 2021 but she managed to "kick him off her", Lancashire Police said.

The 59-year-old, from Burnley, took "the cowardly choice of not staying around to face justice," the force said.

He was sentenced to nine years and six months at Burnley Crown Court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

'Cowardly choice'

In a statement given to the court, the victim's mother said: "Before it came out, my daughter was quiet and withdrawn – both at home and at school.

"After disclosing it, it seemed like it had hit her again and she became further distressed.

"Now that she's got justice, she's managed to move on with her life and she's happy."

Zahid had denied a single count of attempted rape but was found guilty by a jury earlier this year.

He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Det Con Hannah Brown said he is "a dangerous individual" who "saw an opportunity to rape a child and attempted to take it".

"It was only because of her bravery that he was unsuccessful in his sordid behaviour," she said.

"Despite his denials, Zahid knew exactly what he had done and the conclusion the jury would come to. I am convinced that's why he took the cowardly choice of not staying around to face justice and instead chose to go on the run.

"He should know that Lancashire Police will never stop looking for him."